Explained: What changes after India's tougher anti-paper leak law comes into force
India's Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, received President Droupadi Murmu's assent and came into force on August 1, 2026.
Investigations into paper leak cases must now be completed within two months, and fast-track courts must conclude trials within three months.
Individuals guilty of paper leaks face minimum 5 years, maximum 10 years imprisonment, and a fine up to Rs 50 lakh.
Organised examination fraud rackets face minimum 7 years imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 10 crore.
The amended law covers central exams conducted by UPSC, SSC, NTA, and railway and banking recruitment examinations.
Story angle
Center-right
Mostly straight facts, with a light government- or market-friendly tilt.
About how the story is framed, not whether the facts are true.
Times of India
Center-right
Mixed factuality
Who owns this?
Times Group
Bennett, Coleman & Co. (Sahu Jain family)
India's largest newspaper group by circulation.
Wikipedia: Sahu Jain family