New Law Enacted to Combat Exam Paper Leaks: Fast-Track Courts and Stricter Penalties Introduced

A new law has been enacted in India to address the issue of exam paper leaks, allowing for the establishment of fast-track courts and imposing stricter penalties on offenders. Approved by President Droupadi Murmu, this legislation mandates that investigations be completed within two months and introduces significant jail terms and fines for those involved in unfair practices. The move comes in response to widespread protests from students regarding recent paper leak incidents, particularly concerning the NEET 2026 exam. This law aims to enhance the integrity of public examinations and ensure swift justice for those who violate examination protocols.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2026, 17:54 IST

Strengthening Measures Against Exam Fraud

New Delhi: A newly amended law has been approved by President Droupadi Murmu, allowing states to establish fast-track courts aimed at expediting trials related to public examination question paper leaks and increasing penalties for offenders.

The law ministry announced on Friday that the President has sanctioned the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, following its approval by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week.

Under this legislation, investigations into paper leak incidents must be concluded within a two-month timeframe.

The law stipulates that those found guilty of involvement in paper leaks or other unfair practices during examinations will face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, along with fines that can reach up to Rs 50 lakh.

For organized criminal activities, the revised law mandates a minimum sentence of seven years and fines up to Rs 10 crore.

The government expedited the Bill's passage in response to widespread protests from students across the nation regarding the NEET 2026 paper leak.

This new legislation modifies a previous Act from two years ago, intensifying penalties and fines for those convicted of paper leaks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the establishment of this law and the fast-track courts in light of the recent student demonstrations.

The law identifies 15 illegal activities, including leaking exam papers, altering OMR sheets, creating fraudulent websites, and issuing counterfeit admit cards.

The 2024 law was introduced amid significant controversies surrounding paper leaks. Prior to this legislation, there was no specific law addressing the unfair practices or offenses committed by various entities involved in public examinations conducted by the Central government and its agencies.

The earlier Act was designed to prevent unfair means in public examinations overseen by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway recruitment exams, banking recruitment tests, and the National Testing Agency (NTA), among others.

With the amended law, all states and Union Territories will be mandated to establish fast-track courts that will conclude trials within three months of the chargesheet being filed.