Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 27, 2026, aiming to strengthen the legal framework against unfair practices in public examinations. It seeks to amend the original 2024 Act to address emerging challenges in examination integrity.
Background
The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to prevent unfair means in public examinations and establish a centralised mechanism. The 2026 amendment proposes changes to enhance its effectiveness.
Key facts
Introduced in Lok Sabha on July 27, 2026 by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Amends the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations conducted by central government and its agencies.
Proposes stricter penalties for organised cheating and paper leaks.
Includes provisions for electronic surveillance and digital evidence.
Expands definition of 'unfair means' to cover new methods like impersonation via technology.
Establishes a Centralised Examination Monitoring Cell for coordination.
Provides for confiscation of property derived from unfair means.
Offences under the Bill are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
Applicable to examinations conducted by Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Boards, etc.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
- Introduced in Lok Sabha on July 27, 2026
- Amends the 2024 Act
- Centralised Examination Monitoring Cell
- Cognizable, non-bailable, non-compoundable offences
- Applicable to UPSC, SSC, RRB, etc.
Mains angles
- Discuss the need for stringent laws to prevent examination malpractices in India.
- Critically examine the balance between strict penalties and due process in the Bill.
- Evaluate the role of technology in both perpetrating and preventing unfair means in exams.