The Union Cabinet has approved a draft amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, proposing stricter penalties for paper leaks and exam-related fraud. The decision comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to introduce stronger measures against examination malpractice.
The proposed legislation seeks to impose a minimum prison term of five years for those involved in paper leaks, while organised exam fraud could attract up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 crore.
The Bill also introduces a time-bound process for handling such cases. Investigations are expected to be completed within two months, while trials in designated fast-track courts must conclude within three months, ensuring that cases are resolved within five months.
The existing law currently prescribes three to five years of imprisonment for individuals found guilty of using unfair means and five to ten years in jail, along with a minimum ₹1 crore fine, for organised exam fraud. The proposed amendments aim to further strengthen these provisions and deter organised cheating networks.
The law covers recruitment examinations conducted by agencies such as the UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Board, IBPS, and entrance examinations including NEET, JEE, and CUET. It is designed to target organised criminal networks involved in exam fraud while protecting genuine candidates.
According to government sources, the amendment Bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament next week. The move comes amid continued protests demanding accountability over examination irregularities and reforms in the country’s testing system, particularly following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
The government has also indicated that broader reforms related to the National Testing Agency (NTA) are under consideration and are expected to be implemented in the coming months.
