INDIA 🔗 Part of: India Education Reforms and Paper Leak Protests (8) · 01 Aug 2026 · 06:44 GMT ·2 min read

Rajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Opposition Walkout

On July 31, 2026, the Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examination (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by voice vote.

NEUTRALITY 85 · BALANCED· 4 sources

Hindustan Times India

On July 31, 2026, the Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examination (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by voice vote. The law sets a minimum 5 year prison term and a fine of ₹50 lakh (5 million INR) for exam fraud. Penalties for organized crimes reach seven years in prison and a fine of ₹10 crore (100 million INR). Former AAP Member of Parliament Raghav Chadha supported the bill. He stated the law protects students from exam fraud. The government plans to shift NEET exams to a computer-based exam. It also established a task force led by Nandan Nilekani to reform the national examination system.

Context

The government introduced legislation following public debate over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This controversy led to the resignation of the education minister and the removal of 47 National Testing Agency (NTA) officers. The government also transferred the Education Secretary.

Supportive perspectives

The bill mandates a minimum five-year prison sentence for exam malpractice. Convicted individuals face a 5,000,000 rupee (50 lakh) fine for using unfair methods.
The new law imposes stricter penalties on organized crime syndicates. Convicted members face a minimum seven-year prison sentence. The law also mandates fines of up to 100 million rupees (10 crore).
The legislation mandates the creation of fast-track courts. These courts must conduct daily proceedings. They must resolve trials within three months after prosecutors file a chargesheet.
The government is shifting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) from Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets to computer-based testing. This change aims to lower the risk of future leaks.
The government announced a task force to recommend reforms for the examination system. Nandan Nilekani, a prominent Indian entrepreneur, technocrat, and public policy expert who serves as the Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Infosys. He is widely recognized as the chief architect of Aadhaar and will serve on the committee.

Critical perspectives

Opposition members walked out during the vote on the bill. Available records do not specify their objections.
The effectiveness of the new law remains unproven. Earlier investigations into the NEET paper leak required a Special Investigation Team. Officials arrested 13 people during those proceedings.
The government filed a chargesheet 75 days after the NEET investigation began. A new fast-track court mandate now requires trials to conclude within three months. The court must demonstrate its ability to meet this deadline consistently.
The government removed 47 National Testing Agency (NTA) officials and transferred the Education Secretary. Critics cite these personnel changes as evidence of administrative issues that occurred before the legislature passed the bill.