Among the states dealing most strictly with the paper leak mafia, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan are at the forefront. Under the law brought in by Uttarakhand in 2023, culprits can face life imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. If candidates are found engaging in malpractice, they face three years in jail, a fine of Rs 25 lakh, and a ban from taking exams for 2 to 5 years. Rajasthan’s law, introduced in April 2022, also proposes life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 crore for leak gangs.
The Bihar government brought in a new law in August 2024, incorporating a 10-year jail term and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore in leak cases. Under the law passed by Gujarat in March 2023, gangs face 7 to 10 years in jail and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore. Haryana’s 2021 law also provides for 7 to 10 years of imprisonment along with fines ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10 crore.
Under Jharkhand’s 2023 law, there are provisions for 5 to 10 years in jail and fines ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10 crore. In Odisha (2024) and Assam (2024), 3 to 10 years in jail and fines of up to Rs 1 crore are being imposed. In Arunachal Pradesh, a provision of three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh is in effect.
Chhattisgarh brought in a new bill in 2026 that includes a 10-year jail term, a fine of Rs 1 crore, and a provision for property confiscation. Maharashtra (2024) has a 5-year jail term and a Rs 1 crore fine, while Himachal Pradesh’s proposed 2025 bill specifies 3 to 10 years of imprisonment. In Andhra Pradesh, under the existing law, jail terms of 3 to 7 years and fines are already in effect.
Experts believe that bringing in strict laws alone will not completely stop paper leaks. It is extremely necessary to enhance technical security in the examination system, strengthen digital surveillance, and tighten the question paper distribution process. These laws will only prove meaningful when fast-track courts conduct speedy trials and swiftly punish the guilty.
Currently, students across the country are demanding action be taken so that trust in the examination system is restored. The new law being proposed by the central government can be seen as a major step in this direction. It remains to be seen, in coordination with the laws already existing in various states, to what extent the new central law will curb leaks in the future.