The ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026,’ passed by Parliament to crack down on paper leaks, has received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. Having been passed by both Houses of Parliament amidst a walkout by opposition parties, this law has now come into effect nationwide.
This new law aims to prevent paper leaks and ensure transparency in government and competitive examinations. Violators face provisions for up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹10 crore.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by a voice vote on Thursday. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill a day earlier; it has now received President Droupadi Murmu’s approval.
According to the Central Government, the primary objective of this new amendment is to maintain transparency in government and competitive examinations and to safeguard the interests and futures of lakhs of young people.
10-Year Imprisonment And ₹10 Crore Fine
Under the amended law, individuals found guilty of rigging public examinations, leaking papers, or using unfair means (cheating) will face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
Meanwhile, to crack down on organized gangs or syndicates involved in paper leaks, the law introduces stringent provisions for a minimum of 7 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹10 crore.
Immediately after the bill was passed in Parliament, PM Modi shared a video message on the social media platform Instagram, stating that the crucial task of enacting a strict law against paper leaks had been accomplished. Mafia must not be allowed to play with students’ future: PM Modi
The Prime Minister stated that the government is taking steps to curb paper leaks and exam-related irregularities, and that strengthening the examination system through the use of the latest technology has become essential. He further added that the government is working to ensure that no paper-leak mafia can jeopardize the future of students.
