On July 27, 2026, the Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aiming to strengthen measures against examination malpractices. The bill introduces stricter penalties, establishes fast-track courts, and mandates time-bound investigations to enhance the integrity of public examinations.
The amendment seeks to bolster the existing Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, by increasing imprisonment terms and fines for various offences. For instance, the maximum imprisonment for individuals using unfair means has been raised from five to ten years, and the fine from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Service providers found guilty now face fines up to ₹5 crore, up from ₹1 crore. Organized crimes related to examination malpractices carry a minimum imprisonment of seven years and a fine of at least ₹10 crore.
To expedite legal proceedings, the bill proposes the establishment of Special Fast-Track Courts dedicated to handling examination-related offences. These courts are required to complete trials within three months of receiving a chargesheet. Additionally, the bill empowers the central government to form Special Task Forces for swift investigations, aiming to conclude inquiries within two months.
The introduction of this amendment follows a series of examination malpractices, including the cancellation of the NEET 2026 exam due to an alleged paper leak. The government's move is intended to deter individuals and organized syndicates from compromising the examination system's integrity.
The bill's passage in the Lok Sabha marks a significant step toward reinforcing the legal framework against examination malpractices. The proposed measures are expected to enhance the credibility of public examinations and ensure a fairer process for all candidates.