Parliament passes "Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026" : GS TIMES IAS-PCS

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Rajya Sabha through voice vote on 30 July 2026, a day after being cleared by the Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and provides for stricter penalties for paper leaks and other unfair practices.

Key Provisions

Stricter punishment for unfair means: Imprisonment has been enhanced from 3–5 years to 5–10 years, while the maximum fine has increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
Service providers:
- Maximum fine increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.
- Debarment from conducting public examinations increased from 4 years to 8 years.
Directors and senior management:
- Imprisonment enhanced from 3–10 years to 5–10 years.
- Maximum fine increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.
Organised crime:
- Imprisonment increased from 5–10 years to 7–10 years.
- Maximum fine enhanced from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.
Special Fast Track Courts: Every State Government and Union Territory Administration will be required to establish Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trials of offences under the legislation.

About the Public Examinations Act, 2024

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 provides a legal framework to prevent paper leaks, impersonation, cheating and other unfair means in public examinations.

The act covers examinations conducted by major bodies such as: