Newly appointed education minister says anti-paper leak Bill aims to dismantle 'paper leak ecosystem'

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on July 29 said the newly passed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is aimed at dismantling the "paper leak ecosystem" by introducing stronger legal deterrents against examination fraud and organised malpractice.

Speaking after the Lok Sabha passed the legislation by voice vote, Joshi said the amended law was designed to restore public confidence in India's examination system and protect the interests of millions of students appearing for competitive examinations every year.

"The Bill aims to dismantle the paper leak ecosystem," the minister said, adding that the government was committed to ensuring that merit, rather than manipulation, determined the outcome of public examinations.

The amendment strengthens the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introducing stricter punishment for individuals and organised groups involved in paper leaks and examination fraud. The legislation provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets and the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure time-bound disposal of cases.

According to Joshi, the government has sought to create a legal framework that not only punishes offenders but also acts as a strong deterrent against organised examination rackets. He said the law targets the networks that profit from paper leaks rather than students who fall victim to the system.

The Bill was introduced after nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy, which intensified demands for stronger safeguards and greater accountability in the conduct of public examinations.

The amended law also provides for special investigation mechanisms and mandates faster prosecution of offences related to examination fraud. The government has argued that swift investigation and time-bound trials are essential to maintaining the integrity of competitive examinations and rebuilding trust among aspirants.

During the parliamentary debate, the legislation drew sharp reactions from the Opposition, with several members arguing that legal reforms alone would not be sufficient unless accompanied by administrative accountability and systemic changes in examination bodies.

The government, however, maintained that the amendments represent a comprehensive effort to curb organised paper leaks and ensure greater transparency, fairness and credibility in the country's public examination system.