Stronger Law, Safer Exams: India Tightens the Noose on Paper Leaks

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha to strengthen the 2024 Act against exam paper leaks and fraud. It raises jail terms (individuals 5‑10 years, fines up to ₹50 lakh; service providers up to ₹5 crore and longer bans; directors up to ₹5 crore; organised syndicates up to ₹10 crore) and adds a two‑month deadline for investigations, a new Special Task Force option, and mandatory Special Fast‑Track Courts with a three‑month trial deadline. Appeals are confined to the High Court with a 30‑day filing window.