Anti-paper leak law enacted amid NEET controversy, tough penalties introduced

Amid controversies surrounding NEET UG 2024 and cancellation of UGC-NET exams due to alleged paper leaks, the Center has enacted a strict law aimed at curbing malpractices in competitive exams.

The new Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 provides for stringent penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to Rs 1 crore for violators.

After receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent four months ago, the law came into force on June 21 following a notification issued Friday evening by the Personnel Ministry. The move follows recent incidents including a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak during an examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The Act, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on February 9 and the Lok Sabha on February 6, aims to prevent unfair practices in examinations conducted by various bodies such as UPSC, SSC, Railways, Banking and NTA recruitment exams. It introduces penalties ranging from three to five years’ imprisonment for cheating, extending up to five to ten years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore for organized cheating activities.

Before the enactment of this law, there was no specific legislation to combat unfair practices in public examinations conducted by the central government and its agencies. The legislation is designed to deter organized groups and institutions involved in unfair means to obtain financial gain, while protecting candidates from such misconduct, according to Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh.