"Modi govt today set a significant milestone": Amit Shah hails passage of Public Examinations Amendment Bill
New Delhi, July 31
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday welcomed the passage of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament, saying the legislation will act as a strong deterrent against crimes that undermine the credibility of the public examination system.
On X, Amit Shah said, "The Modi govt today set a significant milestone in securing the future of our students by passing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament."
Shah said the new law will provide stringent punishment for attempts to tamper with the fairness of the merit-based examination system and help students fulfil their aspirations.
He added, "The new law will emerge as the strongest deterrent against crimes that threaten the aspirations of our youth by diluting the credibility of our public examination system. By laying down the harshest provisions to punish anyone who attempts to tamper with the fairness of the merit-based framework, the new law will ensure that our youth fulfill the dreams they have envisioned for themselves."
BJP president JP Nadda also welcomed the passage of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, saying it will strengthen the credibility of the examination system and curb paper leaks and organised cheating.
In a post on X, Nadda wrote, "The passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha today is a historic step towards safeguarding the dreams, hard work, and talent of crores of young Indians. Introduced under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, this amendment will strengthen the credibility of the examination system by making it more transparent, fair, and accountable. It will effectively curb examination mafias, paper leak syndicates, and organised cheating, while ensuring stringent action against those found guilty. The legislation will provide robust protection to the aspirations, merit, and future of our youth."
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi Ji for bringing this landmark reform. I also sincerely thank all the Members of Parliament and political parties who supported the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the House," Nadda added.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government remains committed to eliminating paper leaks and ensuring transparency in examinations.
On X, he said, "Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji reiterates the Government's unwavering resolve to eliminate paper leaks, strengthen examination transparency and zero tolerance for paper leaks to protect every deserving student's hard work and build a stronger #ViksitBharat."
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Parliament's passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying the legislation marks a significant step towards creating a reliable examination system and reiterating that those involved in examination paper leaks "will not be spared."
In a video message shared on Instagram after the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill, the Prime Minister said the government has been taking continuous steps to ensure transparency and strengthen the examination system.
"Friends, for a reliable examination system, we are continuously taking one step after the other. Whether it is the creation of transparency, creation towards fast track, or taking states' suggestions into consideration... every state and the central government has been facing this kind of paper leak trouble for several decades. This is also creating a crisis for the future of children," PM Modi said.
The Bill proposes to enhance the punishment for persons resorting to unfair means by increasing the term of imprisonment to not less than five years, extendable up to ten years, as against the existing provision of imprisonment for a term of not less than three years, extendable up to five years.
The maximum fine is also proposed to be enhanced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
For service providers found involved in offences, the Bill proposes to increase the maximum fine to Rs 5 crore and extend the period of debarment from conducting any public examination from four years to eight years.
— ANI
Reader Comments
A much-needed bill but I wish they had consulted more with student groups. Many students from rural areas have no idea about these amendments. Also, will the government ensure proper security for exam centers? Last year in Bihar, there were multiple cases of paper leaks even with strict laws. Hope this time implementation matches the intention.
Good to see India taking tough action on exam fraud. As someone working in education policy, I think the increased penalties for service providers are key. Many private companies running exams have been complicit. But the government should also invest in digital infrastructure like facial recognition and AI-based monitoring to prevent leaks before they happen.
What about the students who suffered due to previous paper leaks? Some had to retake exams, others lost years. Is there any compensation or relief for them? The law focuses on punishment but not on rehabilitation of affected students. Also, will this apply to state board exams or just central exams? Need more clarity.
I appreciate the government's efforts but 10 years of jail for leaking papers seems excessive. Will this be used to target political opponents or student activists? The law needs clear definitions of what constitutes 'unfair means'. Also, the Rs 5 crore fine for service providers might drive away legitimate companies. Let's see how courts interpret this.
As someone who cleared UPSC via sheer hard work, I welcome this move. Paper leaks destroy the dreams of honest students. But I'm skeptical about implementation - will the political class also be prosecuted if involved? And what about improving exam infrastructure? Better
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.