Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
Parliament enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 in direct response to recurring examination fraud across national-level tests. The Act creates a distinct legal framework for prosecuting exam fraud, covering impersonation, leaking question papers, tampering with answer scripts, and organised syndicate operations. All offences under the Act are cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
- Section 3 defines at least 15 categories of unfair means, including leaking question papers before or during the exam, accessing sealed papers without authority, and conspiring to manipulate results.
- Penalty for individuals: Imprisonment of 3–5 years and fine up to ₹10 lakh.
- Penalty for organised crime (syndicate): Imprisonment of 5–10 years and fine not less than ₹1 crore.
- Service providers (exam logistics companies): Fine up to ₹1 crore and a four-year bar from handling any public examination.
- The Act covers examinations conducted by: UPSC, SSC, NTA, RRBs, IBPS, and all central recruitment or admission bodies.
- All offences under the Act are to be investigated by a senior officer of at least the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank.
● Tracked since May 12, 2026 · last seen August 28, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
30 Jul '26
Opposition, government clash as Rajya Sabha clears anti-paper leak Bill
Polity & Governance
30 Jul '26
Rajya Sabha clears anti-paper leak Bill with tougher penalties for exam fraud
Polity & Governance
27 Jul '26
At least 5 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: New anti-paper leak law highlights
Polity & Governance
27 Jul '26
Govt introduces Bill in Lok Sabha for stricter measures to check paper leaks
Polity & Governance
27 Jul '26
Govt introduces anti-paper leak Bill in Lok Sabha amid Opposition protests
Polity & Governance
26 Jul '26
PM Modi announces task force for exam reforms, Nandan Nilekani to lead
Polity & Governance
Plus 10 earlier mentions since May 12, 2026.
Polity & Governance
National Testing Agency (NTA)
Polity & Governance
2026 Amendment
Polity & Governance
Legislative Process
Polity & Governance
Right to Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment (Article 16) and Examination Integrity
Polity & Governance
Fast-Track Courts (FTCs)
Polity & Governance
NEET-UG
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