Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Lok Sabha passes stricter anti-paper leak bill
The Lok Sabha has passed a new bill to stop paper leaks and cheating in big exams.
The bill suggests harsher punishments, like longer jail time and bigger fines, for people involved in these activities.
It covers important exams like those for government jobs, medical and engineering colleges, and railways.
The opposition is concerned about past leaks, while the government says this bill will help stop cheating and protect honest students.
The bill also allows for special fast-track courts to try these cases quickly.
The government says this will help ensure that exams are fair and that students' futures are protected.
Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The bill introduces stricter penalties, including 5 to 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rs 50 lakh.
For organized crimes, the bill mandates a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.
The bill empowers state governments to designate special fast-track courts for trials, aiming for completion within three months.
The government's action follows large-scale student protests and the recent NEET paper leak controversy.
- Who
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Opposition members, Government, Students, Cockroach Janta Party
- What
- Passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- When
- July 29, 2026
- Where
- Lok Sabha, New Delhi
- Why
- To strengthen legal measures against paper leaks and organized cheating in public examinations
Opposition Concerns
Government Stance
Past Paper Leaks
Opposition Concerns
Opposition members raised concerns about past paper leaks and related political developments.
Government Stance
The government emphasized the need to address organized cheating and paper leak networks.
- Bill Name
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Introduced By
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh
- Imprisonment Range
- 5 to 10 years
- Maximum Financial Penalty
- Rs 50 lakh
- Organized Crime Penalty
- 7 years to 10 years and Rs 10 crore fine
- Affected Examinations
- UPSC, SSC, NTA (NEET, JEE, CUET), Railway recruitment, Banking recruitment
- Special Courts
- State governments can designate special fast-track courts
- Trial Completion Time
- Within three months of filing a charge sheet
