The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by voice vote on Wednesday [1].

The legislation aims to strengthen laws against the leaking of competitive exam papers following widespread student protests over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other public examinations [2].

During the debate in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), the Leader of Opposition, voiced support for the students. "I am very excited and reassured by the student protests against irregularities in the competitive exams," Gandhi said [3].

Gandhi said Home Minister Amit Shah ordered pellets to be fired against the protesting students [4]. These comments contributed to a sharp exchange between the opposition and the government.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to the rhetoric used by the opposition during the session. Rijiju said the opposition’s “idiot” jibe at the Centre was completely unwarranted [5].

The bill was introduced to address systemic failures in the examination process that have led to public unrest. By increasing the penalties and prevention measures for unfair means, the government intends to restore confidence in the competitive testing system [2].

Despite the friction between Gandhi and Rijiju, the house proceeded to a voice vote to approve the amendment [1]. The proceedings took place in the Parliament House in New Delhi [2].

“"I am very excited and reassured by the student protests against irregularities in the competitive exams."”

The passage of this amendment reflects the Indian government's attempt to quell significant social unrest caused by exam leaks. By tightening the legal framework around public examinations, the state seeks to mitigate the systemic vulnerabilities that have led to mass student protests and political volatility surrounding the NEET exams.