look news india
Amidst the huge uproar over paper leaks and rigging in NEET-UG, UGC-NET and various competitive examinations across the country, the Central Government is going to take strict steps. To bring transparency in the examination system and tighten the noose on the culprits, the government will introduce ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ in the Lok Sabha on 27 July 2026. [Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026] Will present.
In this amended bill, there has been a historic increase in the amount of punishment and fine for criminals, coaching centres, service provider companies and organized crime syndicates involved in paper leak. Let us understand the 5 most stringent provisions of this new proposed law from the perspective of a national affairs and education-policy reporter.
1. New limit on punishment and fine in examination scams
The government has greatly increased the scope of punishment and financial penalty for culprits in this amended law:
| crime category | old punishment/fine | New Proposed Law (2026) |
| use of unfair means | Less punishment / ₹10 lakh fine | 5 to 10 years jail + fine up to ₹50 lakh |
| Service Provider Agencies | 4 years ban / ₹1 crore fine | 8 years ban + fine up to ₹5 crore |
| Company Director/Senior Officer | less stringent rules | Minimum 5 years jail + fine up to ₹5 crore |
| organized mafia/gang | 5 years jail / ₹1 crore fine | 7 to 10 years jail + ₹10 crore minimum fine |
2. Special fast track court and target of justice in 3 months
To end the problem of cases dragging on for years in the courts, very strict timelines have been set in the bill:
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Special Fast Track Court: Special fast track courts will be formed in every state and union territory (UT), where only examination scam cases will be heard. Daily Hearing Will happen.
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Decision in 3 months: After the charge sheet is filed, the court 3 months (90 days) You will have to give your final decision within. After the law is made, old pending cases will also be shifted to these courts.
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Time limit for appeal in High Court: An appeal can be made against the decision of the Fast Track Court in a two-judge bench of the High Court, on which within 3 months The hearing must be completed.
3. STF will investigate, report will have to be given in 2 months
Central Government, if necessary, for fair and speedy investigation in cases of paper leak and examination rigging. Special Task Force (STF) Will be able to form.
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2 Month Time Limit: Under no circumstances should the police, central investigating agency (like CBI) or the constituted STF 2 months (60 days) You will have to complete your investigation and file a charge sheet within 24 hours, so that the culprits can be immediately brought to justice.
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Special Public Prosecutor: States and Union Territories have also been given the power to appoint Special Public Prosecutors to fight these cases vigorously.
The goal of securing the future of millions of students
In recent months, rigging in national level examinations like NEET and UGC-NET had created a situation of distrust in the examination system in the minds of lakhs of candidates and parents. The Central Government believes that after the implementation of provisions like fast-track courts, heavy financial fines and harsh jail sentences, the examination mafia and coaching syndicates will be cracked down on and the sanctity of government examinations will be restored.