New Delhi: The Centre is set to take another step in its crackdown on examination malpractices, with the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 scheduled to be introduced in Parliament on Monday.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will table the legislation, which seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

The proposed changes are aimed at making the legal framework against paper leaks more stringent while strengthening transparency and credibility in the public examination system.

Among the key provisions proposed in the Bill are tougher punishments for those found guilty of examination fraud, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.

The legislation also provides for the confiscation of assets linked to offenders and seeks to ensure that cases are decided within three months through a dedicated fast-track mechanism.

The Bill follows the Union Cabinet's approval of measures intended to speed up the prosecution of paper leak cases and introduce stricter legal consequences for those involved in organised examination fraud.

The government expects the legislation to further strengthen safeguards for students and preserve the integrity of competitive examinations.

The move comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government was preparing a comprehensive law to deal more firmly with paper leaks.

In a video message shared on his official X account, the Prime Minister said the proposed legislation would introduce stronger legal provisions and harsher punishment for offenders.

He had also posted that stricter action against paper leaks would be taken up by the Cabinet.

Referring to the impact of examination irregularities on students, Modi said paper leaks cause immense anxiety and uncertainty for candidates and their families.

He noted that the government had already intensified action over the past two-and-a-half months, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of those allegedly involved in such offences.

The Prime Minister also said the Centre had mobilised all available resources to ensure that examinations for nearly 22 lakh candidates were conducted without disruption, reiterating the government's commitment to protecting students' interests.