New Delhi: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has said the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 will help dismantle the paper leak ecosystem by introducing a stronger legal framework to curb examination fraud and restore confidence in public recruitment and entrance tests.
The Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha, seeks to strengthen the country’s existing anti paper leak law through stricter punishments, faster investigations and enhanced accountability for those involved in examination malpractice.
In a post on social media, Joshi said the legislation aims to improve transparency, credibility and fairness in the examination process. He added that tougher penalties, fast track courts and stronger investigative mechanisms would help eliminate organised exam fraud and protect the integrity of public examinations.
Under the proposed law, the maximum prison term for individuals convicted of leaking examination papers will increase to 10 years, while the maximum financial penalty will exceed ₹10 crore.
The Bill also expands liability to include agencies responsible for conducting examinations, managing examination centres, providing technology support and handling logistics. Such service providers could face fines of up to ₹1 crore, recovery of examination related costs and a ban from conducting examinations for four years if found guilty of malpractice.
In addition, directors, senior executives and other officials overseeing these organisations could face stricter legal action if they are found to have been involved in or facilitated examination fraud.
The legislation comes in the wake of nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks. Demonstrations intensified in New Delhi earlier this month, with clashes breaking out between protesters and police during a march towards Parliament. The protests also led to political developments, including the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Centre has since announced measures to address several demands raised by protesters, while the new Bill is being presented as a major step towards preventing future paper leaks and strengthening the integrity of India’s public examination system.
