What happened: Amendment Bill to strengthen anti-cheating law

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The proposed amendment targets unfair means in public examinations by strengthening enforcement tools. The circulated Bill text (sent to Members of Parliament on Saturday) is reported to include the following changes:

Higher penalties: the Bill is reported to significantly increase penalties compared to the 2024 framework.Mandatory investigation deadline: the Bill is reported to introduce a mandatory two-month time limit for investigation.Higher penalties for organised crime networks: the Bill is reported to impose penalties up to ₹10 crore for organised crime networks linked to unfair means.

Background and earlier position

The anti-unfair-means framework in public examinations is already under a 2024 law. The 2026 amendment is presented as an upgrade to that framework, especially through deterrence via higher penalties, faster investigation through a time limit, and stronger consequences where organised networks are involved.

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