New Public Examinations Act, 2024 Rolled Out by Government to Combat NEET, UGC NET Paper Leaks and Exam Fraud

In a significant move to address examination-related issues such as paper leaks and result delays, the government has enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Effective from June 21, 2024, this legislation introduces stringent measures aimed at combating crimes related to paper leaks, particularly targeting incidents in major exams like NEET and NET.

Key Provisions of the Act:

Stringent Punishments: Those found guilty of leaking exam papers or tampering with answer sheets will face a minimum jail term of three years, extendable to five years, along with fines up to ₹10 lakh. For organized cheating in government recruitment exams, the penalty can extend up to five years in prison and a fine of up to ₹1 crore.

Comprehensive Coverage: The Act covers various offences, including the leakage of question papers, tampering with computer systems, creation of fake websites for monetary gain, and manipulation of exam arrangements.

Service Providers Accountability: Exam service providers found complicit in malpractices will face fines up to ₹1 crore and will be barred from conducting exams for four years.

Cognizable and Non-bailable Offences: All offences under this Act are classified as cognizable and non-bailable, ensuring strict legal action against violators.

Context and Implications:

The Act, which came into force following a notification by the Department of Personnel and Training, is a response to the increasing cases of exam malpractices that have plagued the education system. This includes the recent UGC-NET exam cancellation due to compromise, currently under CBI investigation. However, this specific incident will not be covered under the new law.

The enactment aims to restore transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examinations across the country, impacting major examination bodies such as UPSC, SSC, RRB, NTA, and IBPS. The President approved the Bill on February 13, following its passage in Parliament on February 6, during the Budget session. The introduction of this Act underscores the government's commitment to upholding the integrity of public examinations and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.