Centre Cracks Down on Paper Leaks: Up to 10 Years’ Jail, Rs 10 Crore Fine Proposed
Fast-Track Courts, Tougher Punishment Planned to Curb Exam Malpractices; Bill Likely to Be Introduced in Parliament Soon
New Delhi, July 24 (KNC): In a major move aimed at safeguarding the integrity of competitive examinations, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, proposing significantly stricter punishment for those involved in paper leak rackets and examination frauds.
Under the proposed amendments, individuals or organised groups found guilty of leaking examination papers or manipulating recruitment and entrance examinations could face up to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to ₹10 crore, a substantial increase from the existing provisions. The Centre also plans to establish fast-track courts for the speedy trial and disposal of paper leak cases.
The move comes amid growing public concern over repeated paper leak incidents affecting major recruitment and entrance examinations across the country. The government said the amendments are intended to strengthen the credibility, transparency, and fairness of public examinations while acting as a strong deterrent against organised cheating networks.
The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament during the ongoing session. According to government sources, the amendments aim to tighten accountability not only for those directly involved in paper leaks but also for organised syndicates and institutions facilitating such offences.
The existing Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which came into force in June 2024, already provides stringent action against examination fraud, including imprisonment and monetary penalties. The latest amendments seek to make the law even more stringent by enhancing punishment and ensuring quicker prosecution through dedicated fast-track courts.
The Centre maintained that the proposed reforms reflect its commitment to protecting the future of millions of students and job aspirants by ensuring that recruitment and entrance examinations remain transparent, fair, and free from malpractice.(KNC)
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