Anti-Paper Leak Bill 2026 FAQ: Who will be jailed under the new anti-paper leak law, how much fine will be imposed, on which exams will it be applicable and what are the rules on cheating with AI? Know the answers to 10 big questions.
Paper Leak Law 2026 FAQ: The central government is bringing a very strict law for the students troubled by paper leaks and rigging in examinations across the country. The ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026’ was introduced in Parliament on Monday. After the consensus reached between the opposition and the government, the bill is expected to be discussed and voted on in Parliament from 12 noon on July 28. This law is much stricter than the old law of 2024. In this, many major changes have been proposed, from increasing the punishment to cheating with AI, fast track courts and fixed time limit for investigation. Let us understand from 10 important questions (FAQs) what will change with this new law, how it will affect students and cheating mafias…
What is the new Paper Leak Bill 2026?
This is a proposal to amend the Public Examination Act made in 2024. Its aim is to take stricter action than before against paper leaks, cheating, cyber cheating and organized examination scams.
Who will be jailed in the new paper leak bill 2026?
Action can be taken against those responsible for leaking papers in an organized manner, cheating mafia, cyber hackers, gangs involved in cheating in exams and those who are complicit in the matter. If necessary, concerned officers and institutions can also come under investigation.
According to the Anti Leak Bill 2026, what will be the punishment and fine?
The new amendment proposes to increase both punishment and fine. The jail term has been extended in normal cases. Organized paper leak gangs face a maximum jail term of 10 years. A provision for imposing fine up to ₹10 crore in such cases is also proposed.
Will cheating with AI also be a crime?
Yes. In the bill, cases like cheating with the help of AI, hacking the examination system, sending question papers digitally, cyber fraud and electronic tampering have also been included in the category of crime.
On which examinations will the new law be applicable?
This law will be applicable to public examinations conducted by the Central Government and its agencies. These include..
UPSC
SSC
railway recruitment exams
banking recruitment exams
NTA exams
NEET
CUET
JEE
Other Central Recruitment and Entrance Examinations
Will the investigation into paper leak cases be completed soon?
Yes. According to the proposed amendment, a target has been set to complete the investigation within 2 months, so that the cases are not delayed.
Will now the paper leak case not last for years?
The government wants the trial to be completed within 3 months of the filing of the charge sheet. For this, provision of daily hearing and fast track court is also proposed.
Will state governments also be able to create fast track courts?
Yes. Under the new bill, state governments and union territories will get the power to create special fast track courts, so that paper leak cases can be disposed of quickly.
Will action be taken only against the accused or against the officers also?
No. If the investigation reveals negligence or collusion on the part of any examination agency, technical service providing company, institute or responsible officer, then legal action can be taken against them also.
Why is DoPT bringing this law instead of Education Ministry?
This law is not just related to education, but has been created to prevent crimes taking place in public examinations. The responsibility of UPSC, SSC, Railways and many central recruitment examinations rests with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Therefore, this department is handling this law and its amendment. This is the reason why Union Minister in-charge of DoPT, Dr. Jitendra Singh had brought this law in 2024 and now he is presenting this amendment bill in the Parliament.