New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Parliament‘s approval of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, describing it as a significant milestone in reforming India’s examination system and protecting the future of millions of students.

In a video shared on Instagram after the Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister said the government was committed to eliminating paper leak rackets through stricter laws, technology-driven reforms and stronger enforcement.

PM stresses need for stronger examination reforms

Modi said paper leaks have remained a long-standing challenge for both state and central governments, affecting the credibility of public examinations and putting students’ futures at risk.

He said the government has been introducing reforms to strengthen the examination system, including improved processes, faster response mechanisms and greater use of technology. He also noted that suggestions from states have been taken into consideration while framing reforms.

“There is a need for stringent laws against those who play with the future of the country’s children,” the Prime Minister said.

Tougher punishment for paper leak offences

The amended legislation introduces significantly stricter penalties for those involved in paper leaks and other examination-related malpractices.

Under the new law, individuals found guilty of leaking question papers or using unfair means in public examinations can face a minimum of five years’ imprisonment and up to 10 years in jail, along with a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.

For organised examination fraud or paper leak rackets, the Bill prescribes a minimum prison term of seven years and a fine of at least ₹10 crore, reflecting the government’s tougher stance against organised crime in the education sector.

Bill clears Parliament

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and approved by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday through a voice vote amid a walkout by several Opposition parties belonging to the INDIA bloc.

Calling the legislation “an important milestone”, Modi said the government would continue strengthening the examination system to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability, while making it clear that those involved in paper leak mafias would not be spared.