The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is a significant legislative step to combat malpractices and irregularities in competitive exams. Let’s explore its key provisions:

1. Implementation and Stringency

• The law came into force on June 21, 2024³.
• It applies to public examinations conducted by various bodies, including:
  • Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
  • Railways
  • Banking recruitment exams
  • National Testing Agency (NTA)

2. Penalties for Offenders

• Jail Term:
  • A minimum of 3 to 5 years of imprisonment for cheating.
  • 5 to 10 years for organized crimes related to cheating.
• Monetary Fine:
  • Offenders may face a fine of up to ₹1 crore.
  • Exam service providers failing to report offenses could also be fined³.

3. Safeguarding Candidates

• The law protects candidates from unfair practices.
• Organized gangs and institutions involved in paper leaks may face severe consequences.
• Property forfeiture is possible for institutions found guilty of organized leaks.

4. Recent Context

• The law’s enactment follows controversies like the UGC-NET 2024 question paper leak.
• It aims to maintain the integrity of examinations and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.

In summary, the Anti-Paper Leak Law is a decisive step toward fair and transparent examinations. It sends a strong message against malpractices and upholds the trust of millions of students.