Debate in Parliament on Anti Paper Leak Bill, how much difference is there between the old law and the new bill?

Anti Paper Leak Bill: After allegations of paper leak in many competitive examinations including NEET across the country, questions raised regarding the examination system have now reached the Parliament. The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means Act) Amendment Bill 2026 is likely to be discussed in the Lok Sabha today. This is considered to be the first major legislative debate after the political deadlock that has continued in the monsoon session for the last one week. The government says that the new amended law will ensure stricter action than ever against organized gangs involved in paper leaks and exam rigging, while the opposition says that merely tightening the law will not solve the problem. In such a situation, let us tell you today what is the difference between the old anti-paper leak law and the new bill.

Debate in Parliament on anti paper leak

After the NEET UG controversy, there were demonstrations by students across the country. There were movements at many places including Jantar Mantar in Delhi and demands for improvement in the examination system were raised. Meanwhile, the Central Government has prepared an amendment bill to make the law applicable in 2024 more stringent. On Monday, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh presented it in the Lok Sabha, however, on Monday, the opposition created a ruckus in the House raising the issue of police action on students, due to which the debate could not take place. Now after the consensus on discussion among all the parties, this bill is expected to be debated today.

Why was there a need to change the law of 2024?

The central government had made a law to prevent paper leaks and other irregularities in public examinations in 2024. This law was implemented on UPSC, SSC, NTA, Railway Recruitment Board, IBPS and other notified examinations of the Central Government. Despite this, allegations of paper leaks and rigging have come to light in many examinations in the last two years. The government says that the provision of punishment alone was not enough, but it also became necessary to make the investigation and judicial process timely and effective, that is why the amendment has been brought.

Difference between old law and new bill

The biggest change has been made regarding punishment and fine. In the 2024 law, there was a provision of three to five years in jail in ordinary cases, whereas after the amendment, in serious cases the punishment can be increased to a maximum of 10 years. The amount of fine has also been increased manifold. Whereas earlier a maximum fine of up to Rs 10 lakh could be imposed, now there is a proposal to impose a fine of up to Rs 10 crore in organized crime and big cases. Provision for higher financial penalties than before has also been made on examination agencies and service provider institutions.

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Understand the difference between old bill and new bill in simple words

Provision of old bill 2024 new amendment 2026
In normal cases, the punishment is 3 to 5 years to 10 years.
Maximum fine Rs 10 lakh in many cases up to crores of rupees
Action against organized gangs: Maximum fine of Rs 1 crore, now fine up to Rs 10 crore
There is no fixed time limit for investigation, investigation will be completed in 60 days.
Trial in normal court, daily hearing in fast track court
Decision: No fixed time, target to complete trial within 90 days
Investigation agency, general arrangement, formation of special STF

What other steps did the government take?

The government has also taken several administrative decisions to improve the new examination system. Institutional changes have been initiated in the National Testing Agency. Experts related to examination conduct, cyber security, digital forensics and test center management are being appointed. Besides, work is also being done to make more examinations computer based in future and to increase technical security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi While addressing the students, he assured of increasing transparency in the examination system and taking strict action against paper leaks. The government has also constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of former UIDAI chief Nandan Nilekani which will suggest technical improvements in the examination system and increase transparency.

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