The Centre introduces the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, aiming to strengthen India’s existing laws against cheating and paper leaks. Multiple reports describe the proposal as significantly tougher than the current framework, including stiffer penalties for individuals and organised groups involved in leaking or facilitating unfair means in public examinations. The bill also envisages higher fines and longer jail terms compared with earlier provisions.
Sources also say the amendment focuses on faster enforcement. It proposes time-bound investigations with a strict two-month deadline for probing paper leak cases. It further calls for special fast-track courts to expedite trials, with the goal of reducing delays in investigation and prosecution.
While the introduction and debate are reported to face disruptions in the Lok Sabha, the bill’s core components remain consistent across outlets: stricter punishment, tighter timelines for investigations, and quicker court processes for exam-related unfair means cases.
