The Rajya Sabha has approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The legislation includes provisions for stringent penalties, expeditious disposal of cases, and establishment of Special Fast Track Courts.
The Rajya Sabha approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 on Tuesday. The bill was previously passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday.
To ensure expeditious disposal of cases related to unfair means in public examinations, the legislation mandates that every State Government and Union Territory Administration establish Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trial. Investigations into offences must be completed within two months from the date the information is recorded at the police station, and trials must be concluded within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.
The bill incorporates stringent penalties such as imprisonment for up to ten years, fines of up to ten crore rupees, and the seizure of properties of convicted offenders. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh reaffirmed that this bill is a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of students and youth in India.
During the discussion on the Bill, Leader of the Opposition Malikarjun Kharge expressed concerns about the proposed amendments being insufficient to curb malpractices in public examinations. Tiruchi Siva of DMK demanded abolition of NEET Exam, while Ram Gopal Yadav of Samajawadi Party called for the abolition of NEET exam and suggested that states should be given the power to conduct entrance exams for medical education.
Supporting the bill, Sanjay Kumar Jha of JD(U) highlighted the NDA government's landmark initiatives in terms of medical education. Praful Patel of NCP supported the legislation and called for correct guidance for the youth. AAP's Sanjay Singh raised concerns about the backlog of cases in fast-track courts and the lack of facilities in education and schools.
BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi defended NEET exams, stating that they have levelled the playing field for all students. Congress MP Mukul Wasnik expressed doubts about whether merely increasing punishment, amount of fine, and setting up fast track courts will bring transparency, fairness, and credibility to the exams.
Source:
Akashvani News
