Public Examinations Amendment Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, moving the legislation to the lower house a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it by voice vote (PIB). The bill seeks to amend the existing law enacted to curb malpractices in public examinations conducted by central agencies.

The Rajya Sabha passed the amendment bill on Wednesday without a division, adopting it by voice vote (PIB). With the upper house’s approval secured, the legislation was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday for consideration and passing, the next procedural step before it can be sent for presidential assent.

The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was brought in to address leaks, impersonation, and organised cheating syndicates targeting recruitment and entrance tests. The amendment bill introduced Thursday proposes changes to that framework, though the specific clauses—such as enhanced penalties, expanded definitions of unfair means, or new investigative powers—were not detailed in the official release accompanying the introduction.

Parliament is currently in session, and the bill will now be taken up for debate in the Lok Sabha. If the lower house passes the measure without amendments, it will proceed to the President. Any changes made by the Lok Sabha would require the bill to return to the Rajya Sabha for concurrence.