New Delhi: The Parliament is gearing up for a heated debate as the government introduces the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. This legislative move is a direct response to the ongoing examination crisis that has shaken the country, culminating in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.
The proposed law aims to strengthen legal measures against exam paper leaks and organized fraud, addressing widespread outrage over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and related controversies that sparked massive student protests, opposition disruptions, and nationwide agitation.
This bill follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of a tough package of anti-paper leak measures less than two days before Pradhan’s resignation, which was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu. The opposition and student groups hailed his resignation as a victory for youth activism, while the government framed it as a step towards restoring trust in the exam system through structural reforms.
Minister of State Jitendra Singh is expected to introduce the bill, which amends the 2024 Act to impose harsher punishments—up to 10 years in prison and fines up to Rs 10 crore—for paper leak offences. The amendments also seek to increase the minimum imprisonment term from three to five years, establish fast-track courts, and streamline investigations to ensure swift convictions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the government’s commitment, announced plans for stronger legal action during the ongoing Parliament session. He highlighted that safeguarding students’ futures remains a top priority, warning that those involved in exam fraud will face strict consequences.
The crisis was triggered by the NEET-UG 2026 leak, impacting over 22 lakh candidates and leading to the exam’s cancellation. Allegations of irregularities in the CBSE’s On Screen Marking system further intensified criticism of the exam administration. Opposition parties, led by Congress, disrupted proceedings, demanding Pradhan’s resignation and a comprehensive discussion on the crisis. Outside Parliament, students and youth organizations staged protests, including demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, reflecting the widespread anger and demand for accountability.