• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. The amended bill proposes stricter jail terms of up to 10 years for an individual accused in paper leaks.
  2. For an organised syndicate, the jail term is a minimum of 7 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.
  3. The bill also proposes fast-track trials and daily-basis hearings in courts.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill Provisions: The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2026, was passed in Rajya Sabha, day after Lok Sabha's nod. The passage came after three days of stormy debate in both Houses, with allegations and counter-allegations by the opposition and treasury benches. The bill was introduced in the House by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on July 27.

The bill, introducing stricter punishments, hefty fines, and fast-track trials for the accused, came after large-scale student protests across the country over the NEET paper leak, forcing Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down from his post.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposes that the probe into paper leak cases be completed within two months, along with jail terms of at least 5 years and up to 10 years for individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means. The bill also proposes a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh on individual accused.

For organised crimes, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. States and UTs are empowered to set up fast-track courts, which will complete trials within 3 months of filing of the charge sheet. As per the legislation, the Centre can also set up a special task force to investigate cases of paper leaks in certain circumstances.

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Anti-Paper Leak Bill Provisions:

- Stricter punishment for paper leaks

Minimum 5 years' imprisonment

Maximum 10 years' imprisonment

Fine of up to Rs 50 lakh

- Harsher penalties for organised exam fraud

Minimum 7 years' imprisonment

Fine of up to Rs 10 crore

- Time-bound investigation

Investigation into paper leak cases must be completed within two months.

- Fast-track courts

States and Union Territories can designate special fast-track courts.

Trials to be conducted on a day-to-day basis.

Trial to be completed within three months of filing the chargesheet.

- Special central task force

The Centre can constitute a special task force to investigate paper leak cases when required.

The bill further defines 15 offences, which include leaking question papers, tampering with OMR sheets, creating fake examination websites, issuing fake admit cards and other exam-related malpractices.

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The bill introduced in the Lok Sabha notes that in recent years, there have been some incidents of question paper leaks and malpractices in examinations conducted by public examination authorities, "which tend to affect the transparency and fairness of the public examinations system".

How Is It Different From Existing Law?

Area Existing Law Proposed Amendment
Paper Leaks Penalty 3–5 years imprisonment 5–10 years imprisonment
Organised Crime Penalty 5–10 years imprisonment + minimum ₹1 crore fine Minimum 7 years imprisonment + up to ₹10 crore fine
Investigation Timeline No fixed timeline Investigation within 2 months
Fast-Track Courts No nationwide provision Fast-track courts with trial within 3 months
Special Task Force No provision for a central special task force Centre empowered to constitute a special task force

Why Was the New Bill Introduced?

The Centre brought the amendments after a month-long protest by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar and student-led protests in other parts of the country. The protesters demanded reforms to the education system, along with accountability from the authorities.

Following the agitation, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post, and PM Modi also announced a high-powered task force to recommend reforms in the education system.


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