President Murmu Approves Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law: Up to 10 Years in Jail, ₹10 Crore Fine for Organised Exam Fraud

In a major step towards strengthening the credibility of India’s examination system, President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, paving the way for tougher action against paper leaks and organised examination fraud.

The approval comes just days after both Houses of Parliament passed the amendment, reflecting the Centre’s push to tighten laws against examination-related malpractice. The assent was officially notified through a Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday.

The revised legislation is expected to significantly strengthen the legal framework aimed at protecting the integrity of public examinations across the country.

Harsher punishment for offenders

The amended law introduces stringent penalties for those involved in paper leaks or other unfair means during public examinations.

According to the new provisions:

• Individuals found guilty of leaking question papers or engaging in examination fraud can face five to ten years of imprisonment.
• Offenders may also be fined up to ₹50 lakh.
• Organised criminal networks involved in paper leak operations will face a minimum seven-year jail term.
• Such organised offences can also attract a minimum fine of ₹10 crore, making it one of the toughest legal measures introduced against examination fraud in India.

The government believes these stricter punishments will act as a strong deterrent against organised paper leak rackets that have affected recruitment and entrance examinations in recent years.

Government says student interests remain the priority

The Centre said the amendment reflects its commitment to safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring fair opportunities for all candidates appearing in public examinations.

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Following Parliament’s approval of the Bill earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video message stating that the government had completed the “important task of making a stringent law against paper leaks.”

The Prime Minister also emphasised that the government is working to modernise the examination system by using the latest technology while ensuring that no paper leak mafia is allowed to manipulate the future of deserving students.

Bill passed despite Opposition walkout

The legislation cleared the Lok Sabha before being passed in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote. During the Upper House proceedings, several Opposition parties belonging to the INDIA bloc staged a walkout before the Bill was passed.

Despite the political disagreements, the legislation has now become law after receiving the President’s assent.

A tougher stance against exam malpractice

India has witnessed multiple allegations of paper leaks and recruitment examination irregularities over the past few years, leading to widespread protests and demands for stricter accountability.

With the amended law now in force, the government hopes stronger legal provisions, combined with technological safeguards, will help restore public confidence in competitive examinations and discourage organised cheating networks from targeting the country’s examination system.