President Droupadi Murmu Gives Assent to Public Examinations Amendment Bill

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The bill was passed by Parliament on Thursday. The Act aims to curb unfair practices in public examinations by introducing stricter punishments and establishing fast-track courts.

It seeks to strengthen transparency, fairness, and integrity in the examination system by creating a robust legal framework while protecting the future of students. The Act includes several key provisions, including stringent penalties such as imprisonment of up to ten years, fines of up to ten crore rupees, and the confiscation of properties belonging to convicted offenders.

To ensure speedy disposal of cases, the Act requires every state government and union territory administration to establish special fast-track courts for day-to-day trials. It also mandates that investigations into offences must be completed within two months from the date of registration of information at a police station, while trials must be concluded within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.