The Centre has introduced the “Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024” to combat cheating in public exams like NEET and UGC NET. Effective June 21, this law aims to eliminate unfair practices in national entrance tests and public exams.
The Act targets organised cheating involving examination authorities, service providers, or institutions. Violators could face “5 to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of ₹1 crore.”
Here are the top 10 updates about this anti-paper leak law:
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions issued a gazette notification: “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the central government hereby appoints the 21st day of June 2024 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.”
Passed by Parliament during the February Budget session, this bill aims to curb cheating in government recruitment exams.
President Droupadi Murmu approved the ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024’ on February 13, promoting “greater transparency, fairness, and credibility” in public examinations.
‘Public examinations’ include tests by the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board, National Testing Agency, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, and various Central government departments and affiliated offices.
Violations under this Act can result in three to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
The Act bans unauthorised individuals from entering exam centres to prevent disruptions and the premature disclosure of confidential exam information.
All offences under this bill are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
‘Unfair means’ encompass malpractices such as leaking question papers, unauthorised assistance during exams, tampering with computer systems, impersonating candidates, orchestrating fraudulent exams, and creating counterfeit documents.
These offences are non-bailable, and officers at the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner may conduct investigations. Additionally, the central government can assign investigations to central agencies.
The law also allows for the confiscation of properties belonging to implicated institutions, which must bear the costs of the compromised exams.
With the enactment of this law, the Centre is taking a strong stance against examination malpractices to ensure integrity and fairness in public examinations.
Stay informed about the latest updates on educational policies and ensure compliance with examination guidelines to avoid severe penalties.
