Public Examinations Amendment Act notified after Presidential assent

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, paving the way for its immediate implementation across the country. The legislation, aimed at curbing question paper leaks, cheating and organised examination-related crimes, had earlier been passed by both Houses of Parliament.

The amended law will apply to public examinations conducted by major central recruitment and examination agencies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts examinations such as NEET and CUET.

The Act significantly strengthens the legal framework against examination malpractices by providing stricter punishment for organised networks involved in question paper leaks, cyber attacks, impersonation, technical manipulation and other unfair means. It also prescribes stringent penalties for coaching centres, service providers and individuals found guilty of facilitating examination-related offences.

The amended legislation empowers investigating agencies with enhanced authority to detect, investigate and prosecute offences linked to public examinations, while enabling faster legal action through the special mechanisms provided under the Act.

The Centre said the law has been enacted in response to repeated incidents of paper leaks and recruitment examination irregularities that have affected lakhs of aspirants in recent years. It expressed confidence that the stronger legal provisions would improve transparency, protect the integrity of the examination system and restore the confidence of candidates who prepare honestly for competitive examinations.