Amid UGC-NET, NEET paper leak row, Centre brings into force stringent law to curb irregularities in exam

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which aims to curb unfair practices during public examinations and common entrance tests nationwide, came into effect on Friday.

This development comes amid controversy about alleged misconduct during the NEET and UGC NET exams.

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

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The Bill was passed by the two Houses of Parliament in the Budget session which concluded on 10 February. It seeks to prevent the use of “unfair means” in public examinations and bring “greater transparency, fairness and credibility”.

On February 13, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, which targets the prevention of cheating in government recruitment exams. The Act specifically covers examinations conducted by various authorities designated by the central government.

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These include prominent bodies like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), National Testing Agency (NTA), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), and various departments of the central government along with their attached offices involved in recruitment processes.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, includes provisions to prevent the disclosure of confidential exam information before the scheduled time and unauthorized entry into exam centers to disrupt proceedings. Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to ₹10 lakh.

Under this Act, all offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, indicating strict legal consequences for violations.

Regarding the NEET-UG 2024 exam, it was conducted on May 5, and unusually, the results were declared earlier than the scheduled announcement date of June 14, specifically on June 4. This timeline aligns with efforts to maintain transparency and prevent any potential leaks or misconduct associated with exam results.

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The NEET-UG examination, administered by the NTA, serves as the gateway for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions nationwide.

Earlier, on June 13, the NTA informed the Supreme Court that it would cancel the scorecards of 1563 candidates who had initially received "grace marks" in the NEET-UG 2024 exam. These candidates were offered the choice to either reappear for the exam on 23 June, with results expected before 30 June, or opt to forfeit the compensatory marks granted due to the loss of time during the examination.

(With inputs from ANI)