The Bill was introduced by Dr. Jitendra Singh and seeks to further reinforce the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The legislation introduces stricter penalties, mandates time-bound investigations and trials, and establishes stronger institutional mechanisms to eliminate unfair practices from competitive examinations across the country.

The amendment comes amid increasing concerns over examination irregularities and aims to ensure greater transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examinations conducted for recruitment and admissions.

Major Highlights of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026

The newly passed amendment significantly enhances the punitive measures against individuals, criminal syndicates, and organizations involved in examination fraud.

Stringent Punishment for Individual Offenders

Under the amended provisions, individuals found guilty of indulging in examination malpractice, including paper leaks and organized cheating, will face:

• Imprisonment ranging from five to ten years

• Fine of up to ₹50 lakh

The government believes that stringent punishment will serve as a strong deterrent against those attempting to manipulate public examinations.

Severe Action Against Organized Crime Syndicates

The amendment also targets organized groups involved in orchestrating examination fraud.

Crime syndicates found guilty under the law will face:

• Imprisonment between seven and ten years

• Fine of up to ₹10 crore

These provisions are intended to dismantle organized cheating networks that have emerged as a major challenge in recent years.

Heavy Penalties for Service Providers

The legislation introduces strict accountability for service providers associated with examination misconduct.

Any service provider found involved in facilitating unfair means will face:

• Penalty of ₹5 crore

• Debarment from conducting public examinations for eight years

The provision seeks to ensure that agencies responsible for examination infrastructure and logistics maintain the highest standards of integrity.

Time-Bound Investigation and Fast-Track Judicial Process

One of the most significant features of the amendment is the introduction of a strict timeline for investigation and disposal of examination-related offences.

According to the Bill:

• Investigations conducted by the Police or the authorized Central Special Task Force (STF) must be completed within two months.

• After the filing of the chargesheet, the trial must be conducted on a day-to-day basis.

• The case should be decided within three months by designated Special Fast-Track Courts.

This time-bound judicial mechanism is expected to ensure quicker justice and reduce delays in prosecuting examination-related crimes.

Role of States and Union Territories

The amendment places specific responsibilities on State Governments and Union Territory administrations to strengthen enforcement of the law.

They will be required to:

• Consult the respective Chief Justices of the High Courts.

• Designate Courts of Sessions as Special Fast-Track Courts.

• Appoint Special Public Prosecutors to exclusively handle cases related to examination malpractice.

These measures are aimed at creating a dedicated judicial system for speedy disposal of offences under the Act.

Central Government to Establish Special Task Forces

The Central Government will also establish dedicated Special Task Forces (STFs) to investigate organized examination fraud.

The STFs will be responsible for:

• Conducting investigations into examination cheating syndicates.

• Completing investigations within the mandatory two-month timeframe.

• Coordinating with enforcement agencies to dismantle organized paper leak networks.

Security Audit of Examination Centres

To improve the integrity of public examinations, the amendment also provides for mandatory security audits of:

• Public examination centres.

• Private agencies managing examination centres.

• Service providers involved in examination logistics.

These audits are expected to strengthen security arrangements and reduce vulnerabilities that could lead to examination leaks or malpractice.

What Happens Next?

With the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 now passed by the Lok Sabha, the legislation is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and approval.

Once it receives parliamentary approval and comes into force, the focus will shift to implementation. The Central Government, along with State Governments and Union Territories, will begin establishing the institutional framework required under the amended law. This will include constituting Special Fast-Track Courts, appointing Special Public Prosecutors, setting up Special Task Forces, and conducting comprehensive security audits of examination centres and service providers.