Shillong: The Lok Sabha cleared the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Wednesday. Lawmakers passed the measure by voice vote. This vote followed two days of heated debate. The legislation modifies the 2024 Act to tighten security across the testing system.
Government officials claim the law protects student futures. It imposes penalties reaching 10 years in prison and fines up to Rs 10 crore. Authorities can also seize assets from those convicted of fraud. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the bill to curb paper leaks. The Union Cabinet previously cleared the plan to establish fast-track courts. These courts must wrap up trials within three months of an offense.
The move follows massive unrest in New Delhi. Hundreds of students joined the Sansad Chalo protest on July 20. The Cockroach Janta Party organised the event to rail against NEET exam irregularities. The gathering spiraled into violence. Police used force to clear the streets. Both protesters and officers suffered serious injuries. Demonstrators demanded the departure of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan handed in his resignation on July 25. The government says the new law ensures "transparency and integrity in the examination system" to stop future fraud.
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