The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026, paving the way for stricter action against exam-related fraud across India. The amended law proposes a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for those involved in public examination paper leaks. The move comes amid continued concerns over examination integrity and ends the first paragraph with the focus keyword: Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026.
Tougher Law to Curb Exam Fraud
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who introduced the amendment bill on July 27, said the changes strengthen the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. He explained that the government reviewed the law after recent paper leak incidents and decided to impose stricter penalties to dismantle organised cheating networks.
Singh informed the Lok Sabha that 52 FIRs have been registered since the original anti-paper leak law came into effect in 2024. Referring to the NEET paper leak case, he said the government acted promptly and remains committed to protecting the credibility of public examinations. According to him, the Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 reflects the government’s willingness to strengthen the law based on implementation experience.
Opposition Protests During Debate
The minister also said that cases of suicide linked to paper leak incidents have declined over the past few years. During his speech, he criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he lacked an understanding of parliamentary procedures and government functioning.
The bill was passed amid sloganeering by Opposition members. It was introduced days after large-scale student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party, which resulted in the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
With the passage of the Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026, the government has strengthened the legal framework against examination malpractice by introducing tougher punishments for offenders. Soon after the bill was approved, the Lok Sabha adjourned for the day.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026?
The Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 strengthens the existing anti-paper leak law by introducing harsher penalties for those involved in examination fraud.
Q2. What punishment does the Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 provide?
The amended law prescribes up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for offenders involved in paper leaks and other unfair examination practices.
Q3. Why was the Anti Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 introduced?
The government introduced the bill after reviewing the implementation of the 2024 law and following several high-profile paper leak cases, including the NEET controversy.
Q4. How many FIRs have been registered under the anti-paper leak law?
According to the government, 52 FIRs have been registered since the anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024.
