Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Experts question Modi's new exam law
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a new law to tackle exam paper leaks, which includes stronger penalties.
However, academics are skeptical.
They say that just changing the law isn't enough.
They think the government should also regulate coaching centers and stop centralized exams.
They believe these exams encourage cheating and waste students' potential.
The current law, passed in 2024, has not led to any convictions despite several paper leaks.
The new law proposes up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹10 crore for organized leaks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new bill with stronger provisions for imprisonment for exam paper leaks.
Academics criticize the government's approach, stating that mere tweaking of laws is insufficient.
Prof. Anita Rampal emphasizes the need to regulate the coaching system and dismantle the NTA.
The current law, enacted in 2024, has not resulted in any convictions despite multiple paper leaks.
The new bill proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of ₹10 crore for organized paper leaks.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Academics (Prof. Anita Rampal, Prof. Rajeev Kumar)
- What
- Introduction of a new bill to strengthen provisions against exam paper leaks
- When
- July 2024 (initial announcement), 2026 (NEET paper leak), Friday (new bill announcement)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address the issue of exam paper leaks and ensure stricter punishments
Government's Stance
Academics' Criticism
Effectiveness of New Law
Government's Stance
The government believes the new law with stronger provisions will deter exam paper leaks and ensure stricter punishments.
Academics' Criticism
Academics argue that mere tweaking of laws is insufficient and that the root causes, such as the NTA ecosystem and coaching institutes, need to be addressed.
Regulation of Coaching Institutes
Government's Stance
The government has not explicitly mentioned regulating coaching institutes as part of their new law.
Academics' Criticism
Academics, like Prof. Anita Rampal, emphasize the need for serious regulation of the coaching system to prevent paper leaks.
Centralised Exams
Government's Stance
The government continues to support centralised exams based on MCQ format.
Academics' Criticism
Prof. Anita Rampal criticizes centralised exams, stating they promote organized corruption and waste creative potential, advocating for their discontinuation.
- Current Law
- Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Current Penalty
- 3-10 year jail terms and up to ₹1 crore penalty
- Proposed Penalty
- Up to 10 years jail term and a maximum fine of ₹10 crore
- Recent Incident
- 2026 NEET-paper leak
- Government Response
- Setting up of fast track courts and preparation of a new bill