The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at curbing unfair practices in public exams and common entrance tests nationwide, came into effect on Friday. This development follows significant controversies surrounding alleged malpractices in the NEET and UGC-NET examinations.
A gazette notification from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions stated, “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.”
The Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Budget session that ended on February 10, seeks to enhance transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examinations by preventing “unfair means.” President Droupadi Murmu approved the Bill on February 13, 2024, to address cheating in government recruitment exams.
The Act applies to public examinations conducted by authorities notified by the central government, including the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board, National Testing Agency, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, and various central government departments. It prohibits the premature disclosure of exam-related confidential information and unauthorized entry into exam centers to cause disruptions. Offenders face imprisonment from three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
All offenses under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. The NEET-UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, had its results declared on June 4, ahead of the scheduled June 14 date. On June 13, the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court that scorecards of 1563 candidates, awarded “grace marks” in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, would be canceled. These candidates have the option to reappear for the exam on June 23, with results declared before June 30, or forgo the compensatory marks given for the loss of time.
