Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 Introduced in Lok Sabha

📌 Summary:

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha to strengthen the parent Act of 2024
• Trigger: recurring question-paper leakages and organised exam malpractices; aim is faster justice, stronger deterrence and safeguarding exam integrity
• Enhanced penalties: for those using unfair means, imprisonment raised to 5–10 years (from 3–5) and maximum fine to ₹50 lakh (from ₹10 lakh)
• For service providers: maximum fine raised from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, debarment period from 4 to 8 years; managerial personnel face 5–10 years imprisonment and up to ₹5 crore fine
• For organised exam crimes: minimum imprisonment raised from 5 to 7 years (up to 10), maximum fine from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore; Centre empowered to refer investigation to a Special Task Force
• Procedural reforms (new Sections 12A/12B): investigation within 2 months, Courts of Session designated as Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trial (completed within 3 months of charge sheet), Special Public Prosecutors, and appeals to High Court within 30 days (disposed within ~3 months)
• The 2024 Act (in force 21 June 2024) covers UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA and Central Government recruitment; all offences are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — governance, transparency & accountability, institutional integrity of recruitment/examinations and criminal-justice deterrence

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Parent Act: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (in force 21.06.2024)
• Covers UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA; offences cognizable, non-bailable, non-compoundable
• Amendment: unfair means 5–10 yrs jail, ₹50 lakh fine; organised crime fine up to ₹10 crore

🔑 Key Term: Special Fast Track Courts — Courts of Session designated for day-to-day trial of exam-malpractice offences with time-bound disposal.