Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill with Stricter Penalty amid NEET 2026 uproar

Lok Sabha gives nod to the historic Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 that imposes stricter penalties to curb exam fraud after NEET 2026 controversy. The Bill increases imprisonment up to 10 years, while maximum fine has been increased up to 50 lakhs for individuals and 5 crores for companies involved in exam fraud. 

Lok Sabha has passed the historic Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill by voice vote on July 29. Anti-Paper Leak Bill, officially Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, paves the way for tougher penalties against paper leaks and organised exam fraud. This amendment bill has been passed after a large-scale protest by students affected primarily by NEET 2026 paper leak.

The Union Government passed the anti-paper leak bill after intensified concerns about the India's public examination system integrity. This bill amends the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The amendment introduces stricter punishments with up to 10 year imprisonment. The fine amount has also been increased.

How does Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill Tighten Exam Fraud Penalties?

This amendment bill imposes tougher penalties for individuals and organisations involved in exam malpractices. Check new imprisonment time and fine amounts below.

• The imprisonment term for offenders has been increased from 3 to 5 years. Offences that amounted to 5 year imprisonment will now amount to 10 year.
• Maximum fine for such individuals has been raised from 10 lakh to 50 lakh.
• Service providers found involved in examination-related offences will face a higher maximum fine, increased from Rs.1 crore to Rs.5 crore.
• The period during which such service providers are barred from conducting public examinations has been extended from 4 years to 8 years.
• Directors and senior management of service providers will also face tougher punishment, with imprisonment revised from 3-10 years to 5-10 years.
• The maximum fine for directors and senior management has been increased from Rs.1 crore to Rs.5 crore.
• Minimum imprisonment has been enhanced from 5 years to 7 years for cases involving organised crime. Maximum imprisonment time remains 10 years. 
• The maximum fine for organised crime has been substantially increased from Rs.1 crore to Rs.10 crore.

Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill Enacts Faster Case Disposal System

The bill also ensures affected students and parents get speedy justice. This bill mandates that every State Government and Union Territory Administration establish Special Fast Track Courts. These courts will offer day-to-day trial in exam fraud cases. As per the new amendment, investigations into exam malpractices must be completed within two months of the date the information is filed in the police station. After the chargesheet is filed, the trials must be finished within three months. This important student welfare step has been taken at the right time when successful medical students are waiting for NEET counselling 2026 to strengthen trust in education system. 

This bill also empowers the Union government to form a special task force for investigation of any offence. The Government hailed this Amendment Bill as a critical step in preserving the hopes of millions of students as well as job seekers.