New Delhi, July 27: Efforts to reform India’s competitive examination framework advanced to the Lok Sabha as the government introduced key legislative amendments to curb paper leaks and administrative malpractices.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, tabled by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, seeks to tighten existing laws by introducing fast-track courts and a mandatory two-month timeframe to dispose of cases.
“The government invites all political parties to engage in a constructive debate rather than stall proceedings on a issue critical to students,” declared Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju during the session.
Critiquing the approach, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram declared that the legislative measures fail to address systemic flaws that allow leaks to occur in the first place.
Under the revised provisions, fifteen specific offenses are explicitly outlined—including OMR sheet tampering, fake admit card issuance, and fraudulent website operations—replacing the lighter penalty structures established in 2024.
The debate will feature speeches from a designated group of younger parliamentarians across treasury and opposition benches, including representatives from the BJP, Trinamool Congress, TDP, and JD(U).
The parliamentary initiative sits alongside broader executive measures, including an examination architecture review task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani, following recent shifts in the Education Ministry leadership.
