New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for stricter action against question paper leaks and examination-related fraud across the country.
According to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday, the legislation became law after being passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week.
The amended law mandates that investigations into paper leak cases must be completed within two months to ensure quicker prosecution and timely justice.
It also provides for the establishment of fast-track courts in every state to conduct speedy trials in cases related to public examination paper leaks and other unfair means.
Under the new provisions, individuals found guilty of leaking question papers or engaging in examination malpractice will face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
The law prescribes even stricter penalties for organised paper leak rackets, with a minimum prison term of seven years and fines that can go up to Rs 10 crore.
The legislation aims to strengthen the integrity of public examinations by introducing tougher punishments and expediting investigations and trials against those involved in examination fraud.
