NEW DELHI: In a major move to curb examination malpractices and dismantle organised paper leak networks, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill proposing up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of ₹10 crore for those involved in paper leaks and related offences.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also cleared provisions to give statutory backing to fast-track courts for trying such cases, with the aim of ensuring they are disposed of within three months.
The decision came hours after Modi pledged on social media that the government would take the strictest possible measures to prevent examination paper leaks, describing them as a serious blow to the country’s youth. He said the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, would be introduced in Parliament and that efforts would be made to secure their early passage.
Government sources said the proposed legislation would also mandate time-bound completion of investigations. A senior official noted that the 2024 law had already helped crack several organised paper leak rackets over the past two years, adding that the amendments were intended to strengthen the existing legal framework and address any remaining gaps to better protect students.
Under the proposed amendments, individuals found guilty of using unfair means or committing offences under the law would face a minimum prison term of five years, compared with the current minimum of three years, with the maximum punishment increased to 10 years. Officials said monetary penalties for individual offenders would also be enhanced from the existing ceiling of ₹10 lakh, though the revised amount has not yet been specified.
For organised offences involving individuals, groups, examination authorities or service providers, the proposed law prescribes a 10-year prison term along with a fine of up to ₹10 crore. The current law provides for a maximum fine of ₹1 crore in such cases.
Officials said coaching centres are also likely to be brought within the ambit of the amended law if they are found involved in examination-related malpractices.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to curb paper leaks, organised cheating and other unfair practices in public recruitment examinations conducted by agencies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), as well as entrance examinations including NEET, JEE and CUET.
