Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026

Parliament passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which strengthens the 2024 law by increasing imprisonment terms and fines, providing for fast-track courts, and introducing time-bound investigation and trial of examination-related offences.

Why Was the Bill Introduced?

The Bill was introduced in response to repeated incidents of paper leaks, impersonation and organised malpractice in public examinations, particularly the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination. It seeks to strengthen deterrence, restore confidence in the examination system and ensure speedy investigation and trial of offenders.

• The original Public Examinations Act, 2024 came into force in June 2024.
• It covers examinations conducted by agencies such as UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Boards, IBPS and NTA.
• The amendment targets individuals, organised groups, examination service providers and senior management involved in unfair practices.
• It seeks to protect the fairness, transparency and credibility of public examinations.The Bill provides statutory backing for specialised courts and investigation mechanisms.

What Are the Key Features?

• Higher punishment for individuals: Imprisonment increased from 3–5 years to 5–10 years, with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
• Stricter action against service providers: Fine increased to ₹5 crore, with debarment from conducting public examinations for up to eight years.
• Liability of senior management: Directors and persons in charge may face at least five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹5 crore.
• Tougher punishment for organised crime: Minimum imprisonment increased to seven years, with a minimum fine of ₹10 crore.
• Special Fast-Track Courts: Designated courts will conduct day-to-day trials of offences under the Act.
• Time-bound investigation: Investigation must ordinarily be completed within two months.
• Time-bound trial: Fast-track courts must endeavour to complete the trial within three months of filing the charge sheet.
• Five-month overall framework: The Bill envisages completion of investigation and trial within approximately five months.
• Special Task Force: The Central Government may establish a Special Task Force to investigate organised examination fraud.
• Special Public Prosecutors: States and Union Territories may appoint specialised prosecutors for cases under the Act.

How Have Other Fast-Track Courts Performed?

• Fast-track courts have previously been established under laws such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
• As of April 2026, India reportedly had around 775 fast-track courts, including nearly 398 exclusive POCSO courts.
• The number of cases registered before fast-track courts increased significantly between 2023 and 2025.
• Despite the expansion of these courts, approximately 2.45 lakh cases remained pending by the end of 2025.
• Their performance indicates that specialised courts may accelerate trials, but delays can continue without adequate judges, prosecutors, infrastructure and administrative support.
• Therefore, the success of the proposed examination fast-track courts will depend on effective implementation, sufficient resources and strict adherence to statutory timelines.