The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the government and the Opposition sharply divided over the proposed changes. As the discussion remained incomplete, it will continue on Wednesday.
The Bill seeks to strengthen India’s anti-paper leak law by introducing tougher penalties. It proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets of offenders and the setting up of fast-track courts to decide such cases within three months.
Several NDA allies supported the Bill but also suggested reforms. They called for conducting NEET more than once a year, creating a national question bank and regulating private coaching institutes to reduce pressure on students.
Opposition members argued that the proposed law does not address the root causes of repeated examination failures. They also demanded greater accountability over the handling of the NEET controversy and raised concerns about the alleged police action against student protesters during recent demonstrations.
BJP leaders defended the legislation, saying it would strengthen the examination system and discourage organised cheating. They also stressed that states should share responsibility for preventing examination irregularities.
The debate is expected to resume on Wednesday, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi likely to address the House.