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Parliament Passes Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026

The Parliament of India has passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, following its clearance in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The Lok Sabha had previously approved the legislation on Wednesday. The final passage in the Upper House took place after members of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc staged a walkout prior to the government’s official reply.

What Happened

The Rajya Sabha took up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, after the government included it as a supplementary agenda item. The House conducted a seven-hour debate on the measure. Before Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh delivered his response to the discussion, Opposition MPs exited the chamber. However, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) members remained in the House to move amendments against the Bill, though these amendments were ultimately defeated.

During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge called for a Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate NEET paper leaks and police action against protesting students. Kharge also demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticizing the government for delays and arguing that the Bill fails to explain how paper leaks will be prevented. Additional demands were raised by other Opposition members: TMC MP Sagarika Ghose called for the Home Minister’s resignation, RJD MP Manoj Jha and SP MP Ramgopal Yadav advocated dismantling the National Testing Agency (NTA), and CPI(M) MP John Brittas cited the commercialisation of education as the root issue.

In defense of the legislation, Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the Bill demonstrates the Union government’s commitment to protecting student interests and ensuring transparency, consistency, and credibility in public examinations. Replying to Opposition claims regarding 152 paper leaks in the last decade, Singh stated that the Opposition failed to authenticate the figure. He also highlighted government measures to democratise education, eliminate management quota issues, and expand medical seats and institutes across the country.

Key Highlights

  • Parliament completed the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, with Rajya Sabha clearing it on Thursday after Lok Sabha’s approval on Wednesday.
  • Opposition members from the INDIA bloc walked out of the Rajya Sabha after a seven-hour debate, before the Union Minister’s reply.
  • DMK members chose not to walk out but moved amendments to the Bill, which were subsequently defeated.
  • Opposition leaders demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into NEET paper leaks and called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • Demands were also made by Opposition members to dismantle the National Testing Agency (NTA).
  • Minister of State Jitendra Singh emphasized that the law aims to establish merit, credibility, and fairness while penalising organized examination crimes.

Why This Matters

The passage of this legislation comes amid widespread concern and youth protests regarding question paper leaks in public and competitive examinations. According to statements made during the debate, the government aims to establish a strict legal framework against organized examination-related crimes to protect the efforts of deserving candidates. Conversely, Opposition members argued that systemic issues, commercialisation, and administrative vacancies must be directly addressed to ensure comprehensive reform in the examination system.

What to Watch Next

Following parliamentary approval, attention turns to the formal implementation of the amended law’s provisions across public examination bodies. Observers will also track whether further parliamentary or administrative actions arise regarding the functioning of testing bodies like the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026?

It is a legislative measure passed by Parliament aimed at ensuring consistency, credibility, and transparency in public examinations while safeguarding student interests against organized examination crimes.

Why did the Opposition walk out during the Rajya Sabha debate?

Opposition members from the INDIA bloc walked out prior to the Union Minister’s reply following a seven-hour debate, after raising concerns over unaddressed paper leaks and demanding accountability from the government.

Did all Opposition parties walk out together?

While members of the INDIA bloc staged a walkout, DMK members remained in the House to propose amendments to the Bill, which were defeated.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.