The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examination Amendment Bill on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 [3], to curb exam paper leaks and tighten examination systems [1].
The legislation arrives as India struggles with recurring leaks in high-stakes testing, which often undermine the integrity of the national education and recruitment systems [1].
Under the new law, those found violating the act face up to 10 years of imprisonment [1]. The bill also authorizes a fine of Rs 50 lakh, and the confiscation of property [1]. Government officials said they remain open to learning from experiences to further strengthen the system [3].
The legislative process was marked by a confrontation between Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Amit Shah. During the debate, Gandhi said Shah ordered the use of pellet guns against student protesters during a demonstration on July 20, 2026 [4].
The BJP countered these allegations, stating that only tear-smoke was deployed during the protest [2]. Parliamentary officials later expunged the remarks made by Gandhi [2].
Despite the political tension, the bill passed through the lower house in New Delhi. The measure aims to provide a more robust deterrent against organized fraud in the public examination process [1].
“The Lok Sabha approved the Public Examination Amendment Bill to curb exam paper leaks.”
The passage of this bill signals a shift toward a more punitive approach to educational fraud in India. By introducing significant prison time and financial penalties, the government is attempting to dismantle the organized networks that profit from leaking exam papers. However, the friction during the debate reflects a deeper political divide regarding the state's handling of student activism and civil unrest.
