Bill proposes 10-year jail, Rs 10 crore fine for paper leaks
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Union Cabinet approved a draft bill on July 25, 2026, proposing stricter penalties for examination malpractices, including up to 10 years imprisonment and Rs 10 crore fine for organized paper leaks. This comes amid public outrage over NEET-UG paper leak and PM Modi's vow for strictest measures.
Background
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to curb leaks and unfair means in recruitment exams like UPSC, SSC, and entrance tests like NEET, JEE, CUET. The current law provides minimum 3 years jail and fine up to Rs 10 lakh for individuals, and Rs 1 crore for organized crimes.
Key facts
Cabinet approved draft bill amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Proposes minimum 5 years (up to 10 years) imprisonment for individuals involved in unfair means, up from current minimum 3 years.
Maximum fine for individuals increased from Rs 10 lakh to unspecified higher amount (likely Rs 10 crore for organized crimes).
For organized crimes by persons/groups including exam authorities or service providers: 10 years jail and Rs 10 crore fine (currently Rs 1 crore fine).
Statutory backing for fast-track courts to dispose of cases within three months.
Coaching centres likely to be brought under purview for malpractices.
Bill to be introduced in Parliament with efforts for faster passage.
Time-bound completion of investigation mandated.
Government claims 2024 law helped bust several gangs; amendments aim to strengthen it.
Prelims pointers
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Proposed amendments: minimum 5 years jail, up to 10 years; fine up to Rs 10 crore for organized crimes
- Fast-track courts for trial within 3 months
- Covered exams: UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, CUET
- Current penalties: min 3 years jail, fine Rs 10 lakh (individual), Rs 1 crore (organized)
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for transparency in public examinations; issues of trust and youth welfare.
- GS3: Role of law enforcement in preventing organized crime; challenges in examination security.
- GS2: Judicial reforms - fast-track courts and time-bound disposal of cases.