'To completely curb use of unfair means': President Murmu underlines push to protect exams

President Droupadi Murmu underscored the critical importance of public examinations as "gateways to the opportunities" for students, announcing the government's dedication to making the system more transparent, secure, and trustworthy. Addressing the nation on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day, she highlighted the nation's progress and the significant role of its youth.

Murmu stated that 65% of India's population is under 35, calling the country's youth its "most valuable asset." She urged students, described as "architects of India’s future," to contribute to national security and safeguard their own futures through joint efforts. The President affirmed that the government is taking "comprehensive steps" to reform public examinations, aiming to "completely curb the use of unfair means."

“

Public examinations become gateways to the opportunities for our students. The Government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations. The objectives of these reforms are to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations, make the examination system more transparent, more secure, and more trustworthy for the youth.

These reforms follow recent student protests concerning the NEET-UG paper leak. The government enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, on July 31, which imposes harsher penalties, including up to 10 years imprisonment and significant fines for offenders and organized syndicates. Additionally, a high-powered task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani has been formed to recommend comprehensive, tech-driven reforms.

Beyond examinations, President Murmu pointed to emerging avenues for young people through government initiatives in self-employment, entrepreneurship, and the expanding start-up ecosystem. She praised the talent and commitment of India's young population, citing the recent successful rocket launch by a team with an average age of 28 as an example of their capabilities.

“

Our students are the architects of India’s future. Just as the government and society must remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of our students.