Lok Sabha: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 introduced
The Lok Sabha received the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 to speed up investigation and trial and to increase penalties under the 2024 law.
- The Act sets a criminal framework to stop unfair means in notified public exams.
- The Act covers UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA, and Central ministries’ recruitment exams.
- Special Fast Track Courts are designated Session Courts to run day-to-day trials faster.
- The Amendment Bill proposes investigation within two months and trial within three months after charge sheet filing.
What happened in the Lok Sabha
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill aims to further strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by adding measures for faster investigation, speedy trial through Special Fast Track Courts, appointment of Special Public Prosecutors, time-bound disposal of appeals, and more stringent penalties.
UPSC can frame the Bill as a criminal-justice and governance response: strengthening enforcement under the 2024 unfair-means law through time limits, special courts and prosecutors, alongside tougher penalties to deter question-paper leakage, impersonation, and organised cheating.
