Lok Sabha takes up Bill to strengthen action against examination malpractices

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, July 27: The Centre on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter punishments, time-bound investigations and special fast-track courts to curb question paper leaks and organised examination-related malpractices.

The Bill was introduced by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by enabling faster investigations, speedy trials through Special Fast Track Courts, appointment of Special Public Prosecutors and time-bound disposal of appeals.

According to the government, the amendments have been proposed in response to incidents of question paper leaks and organised examination fraud reported in recent years. The objective is to enhance accountability, strengthen deterrence and protect the integrity of public examinations.

Under the proposed amendments, individuals found guilty of using unfair means could face imprisonment ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of ten years, compared with the current provision of three to five years. The maximum fine for such offences is proposed to be increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

Service providers involved in examination-related offences would face a steeper penalty, with the maximum fine proposed to rise from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. The period of debarment from conducting public examinations is also proposed to be doubled from four years to eight years.

The Bill further proposes enhanced punishment for managerial personnel of service providers, prescribing imprisonment of five to ten years and increasing the maximum fine from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.

For organised examination-related crimes, including large-scale cheating rackets, the minimum imprisonment term has been proposed to be increased from five years to seven years, extendable up to ten years, while the maximum fine could rise from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.

The legislation also empowers the Central Government to refer cases under the Act to a Special Task Force constituted specifically for investigating such offences.

To ensure speedy justice, the Bill proposes the insertion of a new Section 12A mandating completion of investigations within two months. It also provides for designation of Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts to conduct day-to-day trials and mandates that trials be completed within three months of filing of the charge sheet.

In addition, Special Public Prosecutors would be appointed for every Special Fast Track Court.

Another proposed provision, Section 12B, stipulates that appeals against judgments, orders or sentences of Special Fast Track Courts may be filed before the High Court within 30 days and should, as far as possible, be disposed of within three months.

The existing Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which came into force on June 21, 2024, covers examinations conducted by agencies including the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Boards, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and National Testing Agency, besides central ministries and departments.

All offences under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.

The government said the proposed amendments are intended to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks, impersonation and organised cheating while ensuring swift investigations and timely delivery of justice. It added that the measures would help protect the interests of deserving candidates and reinforce public confidence in the country’s examination system.