What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act?
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, enacted recently, primarily aims to bring transparency, fairness, and trust back into India's public examination system. Its core objectives are to deter and penalize individuals and organized groups engaging in malpractices, thereby safeguarding the futures of honest candidates. The Act defines a broad range of unfair means, from paper leaks and impersonation to tampering with evaluation processes, aiming to establish a robust legal framework against these unethical practices. It seeks to promote meritocracy and uphold the sanctity and credibility of the examination process by ensuring strict legal consequences for violators, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The legislation empowers authorities to conduct surprise inspections and blacklists service providers involved in malpractices.
Regarding its coverage, the Act explicitly applies to examinations conducted by specified central authorities like the UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Boards, IBPS, and NTA, as well as various Central Government ministries and departments for staff recruitment. However, critically, the Act generally does not cover examinations conducted at the state level by universities or State Education Boards, unless specifically notified by the Central Government. This leaves a notable regulatory gap, as state-level examinations are equally susceptible to malpractices, highlighting a potential area for future legislative expansion or state-level initiatives.
Answered By:
Sakshi Negi
Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.
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