India’s public examination system requires structural reforms that prevent paper leaks instead of relying solely on stricter punishments after the damage is done, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said while participating in the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said millions of students and their families invest years of effort, financial resources and emotional commitment into competitive examinations, making the credibility of the examination process critical.

Tharoor says students deserve a fair and secure examination system

Tharoor said students appearing for examinations such as NEET, JEE and UGC-NET carry far more than an admit card into the examination hall.

He noted that families often spend significant savings on education, coaching and study material while students devote years of preparation in pursuit of professional opportunities. According to him, a paper leak undermines not only an examination but also the hard work and sacrifices made by candidates and their families.

While acknowledging the proposed legislation’s tougher penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and heavy financial penalties for those involved in paper leaks, Tharoor argued that punishment comes only after students have already suffered the consequences.

Calls for reforms beyond stricter penalties

The Congress leader said every paper leak points to deeper weaknesses within the country’s examination system rather than being an isolated incident.

He stressed that Parliament’s objective should be to prevent such incidents altogether through stronger safeguards instead of focusing primarily on punitive measures.

Tharoor also questioned whether the judicial system would be able to consistently deliver speedy trials under the proposed fast-track provisions included in the legislation.

Suggests multiple exam attempts through computer-based testing

Advocating long-term reforms, Tharoor proposed moving away from the existing model in which a student’s future often depends on a single high-stakes examination.

He suggested introducing continuous computer-based entrance examinations with multiple attempts during the year, allowing candidates to submit their best score for admissions. According to him, such a system could reduce stress, accommodate emergencies, strengthen examination integrity and minimise the risk of paper leaks.

Raises concern over competition and student mental health

Highlighting the intense competition for professional education, Tharoor said the large gap between the number of aspirants and available seats contributes to the pressure surrounding entrance examinations.

He also expressed concern over student suicides, saying these figures represent individual lives and families affected by the immense stress associated with competitive examinations.

Calling for broader educational reforms, Tharoor said India needs more quality institutions, increased professional education seats and multiple pathways to higher education so that a single examination does not determine a student’s future.

Concluding his remarks, he said the responsibility of students is to prepare sincerely, while the responsibility of the system is to ensure that their preparation is rewarded through a fair, credible and secure examination process. He added that although the proposed legislation is likely to be passed, broader reforms are necessary to restore confidence in India’s public examination system.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s decision to step down as Union Education Minister, saying the move reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to placing the nation and students above any political position.

In a post on X, Shah said that for BJP workers, the country, its youth and students are more important than any office. He described Pradhan’s resignation as an example of the party’s guiding principle of prioritising national interest over personal ambition.

Shah highlights government’s focus on exam reforms

Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the examination system following concerns over alleged paper leaks.

He said the Centre has introduced strict measures to ensure severe punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and expressed confidence that these steps would deliver justice to students who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Praises Pradhan’s work as Education Minister

Recalling Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his time in the Education Ministry. He credited Pradhan with helping implement the National Education Policy (NEP), expanding PM SHRI schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development and improving coordination between industry and academic institutions.

Shah also said Pradhan worked towards making examinations more inclusive and student-centric, adding that his tenure reflected his commitment to the vision of a developed India.

Resignation follows NEET controversy

Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and growing demands for accountability.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the development as a result of sustained student protests, BJP leaders have projected it as an example of accountability and commitment to national interest.

The Centre has reiterated its willingness to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda saying the government is prepared for a debate of any duration. He also said Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of around 152 examination paper leaks over the past 10 years would be investigated.

Government open to debate of any duration

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, JP Nadda said the government has consistently supported a discussion on the paper leak issue in Parliament. He stated that the Opposition could decide the duration of the debate through the Business Advisory Committee, whether it is a short discussion or one extending to 12 or even 18 hours.

Nadda, who is also the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, said the government remains fully prepared for a comprehensive discussion and urged the Opposition not to shift its position on the issue.

Rahul Gandhi’s paper leak allegations to be examined

Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent presentation, Nadda said the Congress leader referred to nearly 150 paper leak incidents over the last decade. He described those claims as a matter that requires investigation and said the government would examine the allegations before presenting the facts to the public.

According to Nadda, a responsible government is committed to verifying such claims and ensuring that the truth is established through due investigation.

Calls for a united approach on NEET issue

Highlighting the significance of the matter, Nadda said the future of students should remain the top priority for both the government and the Opposition. He appealed to political parties to work together in finding a long-term solution to prevent examination irregularities.

He added that safeguarding the interests of students is a shared responsibility and called for constructive cooperation instead of political differences.

Nadda on meeting with CJP representatives

The Union Minister also spoke about his recent interaction with representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). He said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which the government listened to their concerns and asked them to submit their suggestions in writing.

Nadda said the government remains open to further discussions whenever required and clarified that no meeting with the group was held on Wednesday.