Indian Lower House Approves Bill Against Exam Leaks After Protests

India's Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, has approved a bill that introduces stringent penalties for exam paper leaks. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2026, stipulates jail terms of up to ten years and fines of approximately $60,000 for those involved in leaking official examination papers.

The approval follows extensive debate and comes as a direct response to widespread student protests, particularly from the youth movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), or "Cockroaches." These protests highlighted irregularities and leaks in crucial examinations, such as the NEET-UG, a highly competitive medical entrance test.

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The Lok Sabha today approved the Bill (Amendment) (Prevention of Unfair Means) in Public Examinations, 2026, by a voice vote after an extensive debate

Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh, stated that the amendments "reflect the Indian government's readiness to incorporate constructive suggestions, learn from experience, and further strengthen the law to effectively combat organized crimes related to examinations." The bill mandates that investigations conclude within two months, with designated fast-track courts in each state holding daily hearings to deliver judgments within three months.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced the formation of a high-level task force, led by tech expert Nandan Nilekani, to reform the examination system. This initiative aims to enhance the credibility of evaluations and expand the use of technology in testing. The measures are intended to address the deep-seated concerns among millions of young Indians who view competitive exams as a primary pathway for social mobility.

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The approved amendments reflect the Indian government's readiness to incorporate constructive suggestions, learn from experience, and further strengthen the law to effectively combat organized crimes related to examinations.