New Legislation Proposed to Tackle Exam Irregularities: Maximum 10 Years in Jail and Up to ₹1 Crore Fine

New Legislation Proposed to Tackle Exam Irregularities: The Central government has introduced a new bill in the Lok Sabha to address malpractices in exams. The proposed legislation aims to promote transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examination systems while deterring corruption and irregularities. The bill comes in the wake of the cancellation of several competitive exams, including the teacher recruitment exam in Rajasthan, Group-D eligibility exam (CET) in several states, and the suspension of recruitment exams for junior clerks in Gujarat and constables in Bihar due to leaked question papers.

Presented by Central Minister Jitendra Singh, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, outlines provisions to eliminate cheating and irregularities in competitive exams, with a provision for a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and fines up to ₹1 crore.

Key Highlights of the Bill

1. Transparent Examination Systems: The bill envisions greater transparency, impartiality, and reliability in public examination systems, reassuring the youth that their honest efforts will be duly rewarded, and their future is secure.
2. Objective of the Bill:
   • The bill aims to take action against organized groups, mafia elements, and individuals involved in corruption without targeting innocent students.
   • Government officials found guilty will not be exempt from punishment.
3. National Technical Committee: The bill proposes the formation of a high-level National Technical Committee to enhance the security of computer-based examination processes. This committee will develop protocols to insulate digital platforms, devise foolproof IT security systems, ensure electronic surveillance of examination centers, and prepare national standards and services for both IT and physical infrastructure used in the conduct of competitive exams.
4. Prevention of Unfair Means: The bill aims to curb the use of unfair means through the use of mimicry methods and prevent paper leaks and other irregularities.

Addressing Parliament during the budget session on January 31, President Draupadi Murmu expressed the government’s awareness of the concerns of the youth regarding irregularities in exams. She announced the decision to enact new legislation to deal sternly with such malpractices.