New anti-paper leakage law comes into force amid NEET-UG and UGC-NET controversies

New Delhi, June 22, 2024: In the wake of controversies surrounding NEET-UG results and cancellation of UGC-NET exam due to paper leak, the Public Examinations Act, 2024 ( prevention of unfair means) came into force on June 22, 2024. Friday. This new law, intended to combat cheating during central recruitment and entrance exams, was adopted by Parliament in February.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the Central Government hereby appoints 21st June, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” said a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on Friday.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act is the first national law to prevent the use of unfair means in recruitment examinations conducted by UPSC, Staff Selection Commission, Path Recruitment Board Iron, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and Admissions. tests for central educational institutions like JEE, NEET and CUET. This law addresses issues not covered by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The law provides for severe penalties for those involved in exam fraud. Impersonating a candidate, engaging in paper clearing or failing to report exam cheating can attract a jail term of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. Those involved in organized cheating or other malpractices face a punishment of 5 to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

The main objective of the law is to crack down on individuals, organized crime groups and institutions involved in paper leaks, exam test solving, identity theft and hacking of computer systems, often with insider collusion, for monetary or unjustified gains. It aims to protect bona fide students, whose futures are jeopardized by undetected leaks and subsequent exam cancellations, from legal action.

Additionally, service providers and institutions found guilty of fraud in public examinations will be required to bear the proportionate cost of the examination, as required by law.