Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 Enacted to Ensure Fairness
In Short:
- New Act targets cheating in national exams like UGC NET, NEET UG, UPSC, and more
- Violators face imprisonment and hefty fines
- Aims to restore integrity and trust in the examination system
- Includes severe punishments for organized cheating activities
In light of recent exam paper leaks, the Indian government has rolled out the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. This stringent law, effective from June 21, 2024, aims to eradicate cheating and promote fairness in public and common entrance exams.
Passed by Parliament and approved by President Droupadi Murmu in February 2024, this law introduces severe measures to prevent exam-related malpractices. It mandates strict actions against leaking exam papers and unauthorized access to examination centers, ensuring that the integrity of the examination process is maintained.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed the implementation, emphasizing that the law ministry is finalizing the rules. This Act covers a wide range of exams, including those conducted by major bodies like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), and the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Under this Act, anyone caught cheating faces imprisonment from three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. Those involved in organized cheating operations could see even harsher penalties, with prison terms extending from five to ten years and minimum fines of Rs 1 crore.
Previously, there was no specific legislation to tackle cheating in public exams conducted by central government agencies. This new law addresses that gap, aiming to restore faith in the examination system, which has been plagued by frequent leaks and unfair practices.
The government hopes that these measures will not only deter cheating but also reassure diligent candidates who rely on the fairness of these exams. By imposing strict penalties, the Act seeks to create a level playing field and maintain the credibility of the examination process.