New Delhi, EW-NN: The Centre is set to take a decisive legislative step against paper leaks and examination fraud by introducing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the existing anti-cheating law by providing for faster trials and tougher penalties for offences that undermine the integrity of public examinations.

The Bill, which seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, has been included in the official list of business for the House and will be introduced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.

The move follows the Union Cabinet's approval of the draft legislation on Saturday. The proposed amendments provide for the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure the speedy disposal of cases involving paper leaks, impersonation, organised cheating and other examination-related offences. The legislation also seeks to strengthen punitive provisions to deter individuals and organised syndicates involved in examination malpractice.

The amendment comes at a time when the government is under pressure to restore public confidence in the country's examination system following a series of paper leak controversies, particularly the NEET examination row. The issue has triggered widespread protests by students and political parties, leading to renewed calls for stronger legal safeguards and institutional reforms.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to combat organised cheating in recruitment and entrance examinations by prescribing stringent punishments, including imprisonment and financial penalties. However, recurring instances of examination fraud prompted the government to strengthen the law further by introducing provisions for quicker adjudication and enhanced enforcement.

The proposed amendment is expected to become a key part of the Centre's broader strategy to improve transparency, accountability and security in public examinations. If approved by Parliament, it is likely to provide a more robust legal framework for tackling paper leaks and ensuring timely justice in cases affecting millions of students and job aspirants across the country.