Anti Paper Leak Bill 2026 Tabled in Lok Sabha

The Centre on Monday introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, proposing significantly tougher penalties, fast track trials and time bound investigations to curb paper leaks and examination fraud. The move comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a crackdown following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak.

Tougher Punishment Under the Proposed Law

Introduced by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, the Bill seeks to amend the 2024 law by increasing punishment for individuals involved in paper leaks to between five and 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.

Service providers found complicit could face fines of up to ₹5 crore along with recovery of the proportionate cost of conducting the examination, while organised crime syndicates could face a minimum seven year jail term and fines up to ₹10 crore.

Fast Track Trials and Time Bound Investigation

The proposed law mandates that investigations into paper leak cases be completed within two months, while fast track courts designated by states and Union Territories would be required to conclude trials within three months of filing of the chargesheet.

The Centre would also be empowered to constitute a Special Task Force to investigate cases requiring specialised intervention.

15 Categories of Examination Offences

The Bill identifies 15 categories of offences, including question paper leaks, tampering with OMR sheets, fake websites, forged admit cards and other organised examination frauds.

1. Paper Leaks

2. Unauthorized Access

3. Sheet Tampering

4. Proxy Solutions

5. Direct Assistance

6. Fake Websites

7. Bogus Exams

8. Impersonation

9. Digital Tampering

10. Merit Manipulation

11. Unauthorized Entry

12. Premise Violations

13. Early Disclosure

14. Obstructing Staff

15. Conspiracy & Collusion

Opposition Protests During Bill Introduction

The legislation was introduced amid noisy protests by Opposition MPs, who demanded a discussion on the alleged police action against students protesting the NEET controversy in Delhi, Bihar and other states.

As Jitendra Singh rose to introduce the Bill, Opposition members trooped into the Well of the House, shouting slogans and seeking accountability from the government over the handling of the protests.