Source: PIB
Context
The Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Dr Jitendra Singh) introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on 27 July 2026. It seeks to overhaul the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, sharply raising penalties and compressing timelines.
Penalty Comparison — 2024 Act vs 2026 Amendment Bill
| Offence | 2024 Act | 2026 Amendment Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Use of unfair means (individuals) | 3–5 years; fine up to ₹10 lakh | 5–10 years; fine up to ₹50 lakh |
| Malpractice by service providers | Fine up to ₹1 crore | Fine up to ₹5 crore + recovery of exam costs |
| Persons-in-charge / management | 3–10 years; fine ₹1 crore | Minimum 5 years; fine ₹5 crore |
| Organised exam crimes | 5–10 years; fine not less than ₹1 crore | Minimum 7 years; minimum fine ₹10 crore |
| Service provider debarment | 4 years | 8 years |
| Investigative framework | Transfer limited to existing central agencies (CBI etc.) | Option to constitute a dedicated Special Task Force (STF), 2-month probe deadline |
| Judicial mechanism | Normal judicial process, no fixed trial deadlines | Mandatory Special Fast Track Courts, day-to-day trials, 3-month completion |
