Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
Polity · Tuesday, 28 July 2026
The Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to strengthen the 2024 Act by introducing strict timelines, Special Task Forces, and Fast Track Courts to curb exam paper leaks. It enhances penalties and extends vendor debarment to 8 years.
Quick highlights
- STF investigations within 2 months.
- Special Fast Track Courts mandated.
- Trials within 3 months of chargesheet.
- Vendor debarment extended to 8 years.
Context
Introduced in Lok Sabha to amend the 2024 Act amid concerns over paper leaks.
Key Facts
Mandates STF, 2-month investigation timeline, 3-month trial completion, appeals within strict deadlines, and doubles vendor ban to 8 years.
Significance
Enhances deterrence against organized exam fraud and coaching mafias, strengthening institutional integrity.
Challenges / Way Forward
Effective coordination between Centre and States and judicial capacity will determine implementation success.
Exam Angle
GS II: Governance, transparency, accountability, legislative process.
Remember this
- Original Act: 2024.
- Amendment Bill: 2026.
- Investigation: 2 months.
- Vendor ban: 8 years.