New Delhi | July 31, 2026
Following Parliament’s approval of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a video statement on Instagram, calling the new law a landmark achievement in securing the future of the nation’s youth.
Marking his fourth direct social media address on exam security within a week, the Prime Minister asserted that the nation will no longer tolerate organized paper-leaking syndicates or the compromise of meritocracy. He noted that the passage of the bill fulfills a key promise made to students and represents a firm step toward restoring institutional credibility across central and state recruitment systems.
The legislation mandates severe penalties—ranging up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 crore for organized crime syndicates—while directing the establishment of Special Fast-Track Courts tasked with concluding trials within three months of chargesheet filing.
Legislative Summary
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Legislation: Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026
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Parliamentary Status: Passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
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Penal Measures:
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Individual Offenders: 5–10 years prison | Fine up to ₹50 Lakh
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Organized Syndicates: 7–10 years prison | Minimum fine of ₹10 Crore
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Judicial Enforcement: Authorizes States/UTs to setup Special Fast-Track Courts with a mandatory 3-month trial timeline.
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Systemic Oversight: Complemented by an expert task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani to modernize examination technology and infrastructure.
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Sector: Education Policy, Public Administration & Governance
