New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, clearing the way for it to become law. The legislation aims to strengthen measures against paper leaks by introducing stricter punishments, higher financial penalties and faster investigation and trial mechanisms.
The Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week before being sent to the President for approval. With the President’s assent on Saturday, the amended law has officially come into force.
The Centre introduced the legislation following concerns over recurring examination paper leaks across the country. The amendment updates provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the government stating that it is committed to ensuring fair and transparent recruitment and public examinations.
Under the amended law, dedicated fast track courts will be established in every state to hear paper leak cases. The legislation aims to complete trials within 90 days, while investigations must be concluded within two months.
The law also significantly enhances penalties. Individuals found guilty of paper leaks can now face fines of up to Rs 50 lakh, compared with the previous limit of Rs 10 lakh. Organisations involved in organised paper leak operations can be fined up to Rs 10 crore.
The imprisonment term has also been increased. The earlier provision of three to five years has been replaced with a prison term ranging from five to ten years for offences under the amended law.
In addition, special task force teams will investigate paper leak cases instead of relying solely on central investigating agencies.
The legislation was debated extensively in Parliament. While several opposition parties questioned whether the law alone could eliminate paper leaks, the Centre maintained that the amendments would strengthen deterrence and improve the speed of investigation and prosecution.
