Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026: What does the proposed anti-cheating law promise?

Minister of State for DOPT Jitendra Singh introduces the Public Examinations Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on July 27, 2026. Photo courtesy: Sansad TV

| Photo Credit: Sansad TV

The Union Government on Monday (July 27, 2026) introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha, in a bid to curb exam paper leaks in the country, ensuring stricter action against organised units involved in the criminal act. The Bill, seeking to amend the two-year old existing law, comes closely on the heels of an intense student-led agitation, leading to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.The document states, “The act aims at effectively deterring persons, organised groups, and institutions from indulging in unfair means thereby committing offences, adversely impacting the sanctity of public examinations”.What does the Bill promise?

In a substantial shift, the Bill proposes an increased jail term for individuals convicted under the Act. By which, the maximum imprisonment has been increased from five to ten years.

To ensure the perpetrator is punished adequately, the fine amount has been enhanced to ₹50 lakh from ₹10 lakh.