Explained: What changes after India's tougher anti-paper leak law comes into force

NEW DELHI: The Centre's tougher anti-paper leak law has officially come into force from Saturday after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for stricter punishment, time-bound investigations and fast-track trials in public examination fraud cases.The amended law, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week, is aimed at cracking down on paper leaks and organised examination fraud following nationwide protests over the NEET-2026 paper leak.The legislation strengthens the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was enacted after a series of examination paper leak controversies but is now being expanded with tougher provisions.What changes from today?With the law now in force, several key changes will take immediate effect:Time-bound investigation and trialOne of the biggest changes is that investigations into paper leak cases must now be completed within two months.After a chargesheet is filed, states and Union Territories will be required to set up fast-track courts, which must complete trials within three months.The aim is to ensure quicker disposal of cases that often remained pending for years.Harsher punishmentThe amended law significantly increases the punishment for those involved in examination fraud.Individuals found guilty of paper leaks or using unfair means in public examinations will face:Minimum imprisonment of five yearsMaximum imprisonment of 10 yearsFine of up to Rs 50 lakhFor organised examination fraud or paper leak rackets, the punishment is even stricter:Minimum imprisonment of seven yearsFine of up to Rs 10 croreThe amendments enhance penalties prescribed under the 2024 law.What acts are now punishable?The legislation identifies 15 offences related to public examinations.These include:Leaking question papersTampering with OMR sheetsCreating fake examination websitesIssuing fake admit cardsOther organised methods used to manipulate public examinationsThe law is intended to target both individuals and organised criminal networks involved in examination fraud.Which exams are covered?Like the 2024 Act, the amended law applies to public examinations conducted by the Central government and its agencies, including:Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)Staff Selection Commission (SSC)National Testing Agency (NTA)Railway recruitment examinationsBanking recruitment examinationsOther notified central public examinationsBefore the 2024 legislation, there was no dedicated substantive law dealing specifically with unfair means adopted in central public examinations.Why was the law amended?The amendments come after widespread protests over the NEET-2026 paper leak, which triggered demonstrations in Delhi and several other parts of the country.The government accelerated passage of the Bill after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised stronger legal safeguards and fast-track courts to deal with examination fraud.Parliament cleared the Bill this week with provisions for enhanced punishment, special courts and faster investigations.During the debate, Union minister Jitendra Singh said the government remained committed to a "zero tolerance" approach towards paper leaks and was open to strengthening the law following recent events.Following Parliament's approval of the Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as "an important step towards building a credible exam system" and said the government would not spare those responsible for paper leaks.In a selfie-video message, he said gangs involved in leaking examination papers were "playing with the future of students" and stressed that stringent laws were necessary to tackle the menace.PM Modi noted that paper leaks had affected both states and the Centre for decades, making reforms in the examination system essential. He also said the government had taken several steps, including constituting a task force, setting up fast-track courts and promoting greater use of technology, while reaffirming its "zero tolerance" approach towards examination fraud.Aim of the amended lawThe Centre says the amended legislation is designed to create a stronger legal framework against examination fraud by ensuring:Faster investigationsSpeedy trials through fast-track courtsStricter punishment for offendersGreater deterrence against organised paper leak networksThe law forms part of the government's broader effort to strengthen the integrity of public examinations following repeated incidents of question paper leaks across the country.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.