Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha; Up to 10 Years in Jail and a Fine of ₹50 Lakh for Paper Leaks

Among nationwide concerns regarding question paper leaks in competitive examinations, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been passed in the Lok Sabha. The new amendment provides for a maximum prison term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for question paper leaks and related serious offences.

The bill was passed by a voice vote among slogans and noise from the opposition. It will now proceed to the next stage of the constitutional process.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

This amendment makes punishments significantly more severe for serious offences involving question paper leaks and irregularities in government examinations. Under the new rules, a conviction can lead to a maximum prison term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced this amendment bill in the Lok Sabha on July 27. So, following a discussion, the bill was passed among an uproar by the opposition parties. After the bill was passed, the proceedings of the Lok Sabha were delayed for the day.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Jitendra Singh said that the government has taken quick action to tackle offenses such as question paper leaks.

According to him, 52 FIRs have been registered since the Anti-Paper Leak Law came into effect in 2024. He further added that this change has been introduced to make the law more effective based on practical experience.

The government maintains that, alongside taking strict action against incidents of question paper leaks, focus is also being placed on making the examination system more secure.

The change bill primarily focuses on making penalties more strict. Key rules include a maximum prison term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for serious offenses such as question paper leaks, as well as the strengthening of the legal framework to curb irregularities in government examinations. These changes aim to send a strong message against corrupts elements.

During the discussion, Jitendra Singh criticized the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. He said his view that Rahul Gandhi lacks an enough understanding of parliamentary procedures and the government's functioning. This was a political remark by the Minister, bearing no direct relation to the legal substance of the bill.