Overview
On 27 July 2026, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was amended through a Bill moved by Minister of State for DoPT Jitendra Singh in the Lok Sabha. The amendment comes after a month‑long student protest over a alleged NEET‑UG paper leak.
Key Developments
- State Governments and Union Territory Administrations can now designate any Court of Session as a Special Fast Track Court for offences under the Act.
- Trials in these courts must be conducted on a day‑to‑day basis and concluded within three months of filing the chargesheet.
- The Centre may set up a Special Task Force (STF) whenever required.
- Investigations into paper‑leak cases must be finished within two months.
- State Governments and Union Territories can appoint one or more Special Public Prosecutors for cases under the Act.
- Imprisonment terms and fines for offences have been increased (exact figures not specified).
- Appeals against any judgment, sentence or order will go to a Division Bench of the High Court and must be disposed of within three months of admission.
Important Facts
The amendment was approved by the Union Cabinet on Friday, 26 July 2026. It aims to strengthen the anti‑paper‑leak framework amid heightened protests demanding accountability in the examination system.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this Bill helps aspirants in GS2 – Polity as it deals with legislative action, judicial reforms, and executive powers. The fast‑track courts and STF illustrate how the government can expedite criminal justice, a recurring theme in questions on law‑and‑order. The amendment also touches upon GS1 – Society (education policy) through the NEET‑UG context, highlighting the impact of examination integrity on public welfare.
Way Forward
Implementation will require coordination between central and state agencies. Monitoring the effectiveness of fast‑track courts and the STF will be crucial. Aspirants should track any further parliamentary debates, judicial pronouncements, and feedback from student bodies, as these will shape future policy directions on examination security.