Centre proposes Bill to strengthen anti-cheating law in bid to curb exam malpractices
The Indian government has proposed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, to combat exam malpractice. The bill introduces stricter penalties, fast-track courts, and mandatory investigation timelines.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a significant shift in how the state handles academic fraud, aiming to restore integrity to public examination systems through legal reform.
In a move to strengthen the anti-cheating law, the Union Government has proposed The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, a copy of which was circulated among members of Parliament on Saturday (July 25, 2026).
The Centre is likely to introduce the bill in the Parliament on Monday (July 27, 2026).
Jantar Mantar protest updates on July 25, 2026
The proposed legislation significantly toughens the penalties established under the 2024 Act, introduces mandatory two-month investigation deadlines, along with designated Special Fast Track Courts, and steep financial penalties reaching up to ₹10 crore for organised crime networks.
Maximum imprisonment sentences for individual and institutional offenders have been increased, alongside a steep hike in financial penalties, according to the proposed bill.
Specialized Enforcement Units enable the Central Government to constitute dedicated Special Task Forces (STF) to take exclusive charge of investigation efforts.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in