Center sacks 47 NTA officials, tightens law to deal with paper leaks

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Fraudulent Means) Act, 2024, which give stiffer penalties and time-bound judicial mechanisms to the anti-paper leakage law. Representative file image. | Photo credit: AP

In a bid to crack down on examination malpractices, the Center has taken a number of measures, including strengthening the anti-paper leakage law and terminating the services of as many as 47 officials in the National Testing Agency (NTA).

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The Union Cabinet on Friday (July 24, 2026) approved a proposal to introduce amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Fraudulent Means) Act, 2024, which give stiffer penalties and time-bound judicial mechanisms to the anti-paper leakage law.

Sources in the Ministry of Education said that in a bid to bring about examination reform, the NTA has dismissed 47 officials from its services. “Legal and criminal action will also be taken against some of these officials. More reformation steps will follow. It is part of a complete overhaul of the NTA, which was controversial over the paper leaks,” sources said.

The policy change comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late-night video address declared that strict action would be taken against the paper leakage mafia. The announcement came after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh held a meeting with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) MLAs Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das.

Proposed changes to the anti-fraud law include stiffer prison terms, higher financial penalties and the establishment of fast-track courts for speedy trials.

The prison term has expired

Imprisonment for those involved in organized fraud under investigation has been increased from the previous 3–5 years to 5–10 years in prison. The maximum fines for those involved in organized rackets have been raised up to ₹10 million.

The Act provides statutory support for the establishment of specialized fast-track courts empowered to expedite cases. The fast-track courts will be mandated to conclude investigations, hear cases and deliver judgments within three months, the sources said.

Fast-track courts have already been announced in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with the Delhi High Court announcing the establishment of a specialized court on July 23.

The original Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractice) Act, 2024 officially came into force on 21 June 2024, amid widespread outrage over alleged malpractices in national examinations such as NEET and UGC-NET.

Zero conviction

It is worth noting that there have been no convictions under the anti-cheating law passed in June 2024. Over the past two decades, only two of the 45 major exam leaks have resulted in convictions. Most cases remain mired in legal delays and unresolved court proceedings.

The Act applies to major examination bodies including UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), SSC (Staff Selection Commission), NTA, RRB (Railway Recruitment Board), IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) and central government recruitment departments.

Key provisions of the original law include banning premature disclosure of confidential exam-related information and preventing unauthorized persons from entering exam centers to disrupt operations.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 22:43 IST