Govt to Amend Anti-Cheating Law with Extended Jail Term, Heavy Fines
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Union Cabinet is set to meet on July 24, 2026, to clear a bill amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with provisions for extended jail terms and heavy penalties for organized paper leaks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the move late Thursday night, citing the need to address exam irregularities following widespread protests.
Background
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to prevent cheating in public exams. Recent repeated paper leaks and exam irregularities have sparked massive protests, with tens of thousands marching to Parliament on July 20, 2026, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key facts
The Union Cabinet will meet on July 24, 2026, to clear the bill amending the anti-cheating law.
The amendment proposes extended jail terms and heavy penalties for organized paper leaks and unfair means.
PM Modi, in a late-night video message on July 23, said the cabinet will discuss a draft bill to check exam irregularities.
The PM expressed hope that the bill will be passed in the upcoming week of the ongoing monsoon session.
Modi noted that fast-track courts have been set up following his direction, and a draft bill has been prepared.
Tens of thousands of protesters marched to Parliament on July 20, 2026, demanding the education minister's resignation over paper leaks.
The PM described the issue as a 'painful moment for millions of students and their parents'.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Union Cabinet
- Monsoon Session of Parliament
- Fast-track courts
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Examine the need for stringent laws to prevent exam malpractices and their impact on governance and public trust.
- GS2 Governance: Discuss the role of fast-track courts in ensuring speedy justice in cases of organized paper leaks.
- GS3 Security: Analyze the challenges posed by organized crime in examination systems and measures to counter them.