• UGI USER
  • Jun 22, 2024
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ACT PUNISHING ORGANISED CHEATING COMES INTO EFFECT

Why in the news?

  • The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, enforcing strict penalties for exam cheating, is now in effect.
  • The UGC-NET 2024 exam, canceled on June 19 for being compromised, isn’t covered by this new law.
Source: IE

Background on the Act:

  • Passed by Parliament on February 6, 2024.
  • Came into force on June 21, 2024.

Provisions under the Act:

Types of Offences:

  • Leakage of question paper or answer key.
  • Unauthorized assistance to candidates.
  • Tampering with computer systems.

Additional Offenses:

  • Creation of fake websites.
  • Conducting fake exams.
  • Issuing fake admit cards or offer letters.
  • Manipulating seating arrangements.

Punishments:

Individuals:

  • Imprisonment: 3 to 5 years.
  • Fine: Up to ₹10 lakh.

Service Providers:

  • Fine: Up to ₹1 crore.
  • Recovery of examination costs.
  • Four-year ban on conducting exams.
Other Key Provisions of the Act:

Defines Public Examination:

  • Public Examination: Conducted by authorities listed in the Bill’s Schedule or notified by the Central Government.
  • Listed Authorities: UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA.
  • NTA: Conducts JEE (Main), NEET-UG, UGC-NET, CUET.
  • Central Government: Ministries, departments, attached and subordinate offices for staff recruitment are included.
  • Authority Addition: Central Government can notify new authorities as needed.

Punishments:

  • All offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable (Section 9).