New Bill to prevent exam fraud mandates speedy investigations and trials
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament and assented by the President, aims to curb exam malpractices through time-bound investigations and speedy trials. It mandates investigations to be completed within 60 days and trials within three months in designated fast-track courts. Penalties for general offenses are increased to 5-10 years imprisonment and up to ₹50 lakh fine, with higher penalties for organized crime networks. The Bill also restricts court adjournments and transfers existing cases to new fast-track courts, addressing procedural delays and systemic pendency.
Key Points
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aims to curb exam malpractices.
- It mandates investigations within 60 days and trials within three months in fast-track courts.
- Penalties for general offenses are 5-10 years imprisonment and up to ₹50 lakh fine.
- Higher penalties, including up to ₹10 crore fine, are for organized crime networks.
- The Bill addresses procedural delays by restricting adjournments and transferring existing cases to fast-track courts.
Exam Facts
- Bill name: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
- Investigation timeline: 60 days.
- Trial timeline: three months (from chargesheet filing).
- General offense penalty: 5-10 years imprisonment, up to ₹50 lakh fine.
- Organized crime network penalty: minimum 7 years imprisonment, up to ₹10 crore fine.
- Previous Act: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (no conviction in two years).
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