Public exams gateways to opportunities, govt taking steps to curb unfair means: Murmu on I-Day eve
President Murmu said the government is taking steps to curb exam cheating while highlighting youth opportunities, Operation Sindoor and the Indus Waters Treaty.
Public examinations serve as "gateways to opportunities" for students in India, according to President Droupadi Murmu. Speaking on the eve of Independence Day, Murmu emphasized the government's efforts to curb unfair means in these exams and ensure transparency, security, and trustworthiness in the system. With 65% of India's population under 35, Murmu described the nation's youth as its "most valuable asset" and stressed their role in various sectors such as entrepreneurship, space research, innovation, and job creation.
Murmu highlighted the importance of unity between the government and society to safeguard students' present and future. She emphasized that public examinations act as gateways to opportunities for students. In response to the NEET-UG paper leak, the government amended the anti-cheating law in 2026, imposing stricter penalties for those found guilty of academic dishonesty.
The new Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, includes provisions for up to 10 years' imprisonment and a ₹50 lakh fine for individual offenders, as well as up to ₹10 crore for organized syndicates. The amendment also establishes Special Fast Track Courts to expedite trials of exam malpractice cases, with investigations required to be completed within two months.
To further enhance exam integrity, the government has formed a high-powered task force chaired by Nandan Nilekani to develop comprehensive, tech-driven, leak-proof exam reforms aimed at restoring systemic transparency and public trust.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
