Amidst the uproar over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET examinations, the Centre notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 on Friday. This legislation is aimed at curbing the use of ‘unfair means’ in competitive job exams and common entrance tests such as NEET-UG and UGC-NET.
Passed by Parliament in February 2024, the new law imposes stringent penalties for offenses related to exam paper leaks. Individuals found guilty of leaking question papers could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both. Additionally, the law targets institutions involved in such malpractices, with provisions for seizure of their property and recovery of exam costs if found complicit in paper leaks.
The Act defines ‘unfair means’ to include leaking question papers, using unauthorized communication during exams, tampering with computer networks, impersonating candidates, and manipulating merit lists.
The enactment of this anti-paper leak law coincides with ongoing controversies surrounding the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams. Allegations of paper leaks have marred these exams, leading to significant public outcry and legal challenges. The UGC-NET exam was recently cancelled by the Centre after its paper was leaked and circulated on platforms like Telegram. A CBI inquiry is underway in response to the UGC-NET paper leak, amidst widespread protests from students and opposition leaders.
Furthermore, concerns over paper leaks also prompted the Centre to postpone the CSIR-UGC NET exam, which was scheduled for June 25-27. The decision followed reports of the exam paper being leaked on the dark web. The government plans to reschedule the exam with new question papers, with detailed arrangements to be announced soon.
The introduction of the anti-paper leak law underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity and fairness of public examinations, amidst growing challenges posed by digital technology and cyber threats.
