PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS ACT
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Context: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aims to address the issue of cheating and malpractices in public examinations across India.
Key Provisions of the Act and Rules
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Scope and Coverage |
●The Act covers all public examinations conducted by specified authorities such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), National Testing Agency (NTA), and other Central Government ministries and departments involved in recruitment. ●It defines a wide range of activities as unfair means, including question paper leaks, tampering with answer sheets, and creating fake documents or websites. |
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Implementation Framework |
●Appointment of Personnel: The Act mandates the appointment of Centre Coordinators, venue in-charges, and Regional Officers to oversee examination conduct. Centre Coordinators, typically retired or serving officials from various government bodies, are responsible for coordinating activities and ensuring compliance with examination norms. ●Rules for Conducting Examinations: Detailed guidelines are provided for Computer-Based Tests (CBT), including registration processes, allocation of centres, secure distribution of question papers, and post-examination activities such as evaluation. |
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Reporting and Investigation |
●Incident Reporting: The rules specify a structured reporting mechanism for incidents of unfair means. Venue in-charges are required to prepare detailed reports (Form 1) in case of any suspected malpractice, which are then forwarded to Regional Officers through the Centre Coordinators. If serious malpractices are suspected, FIRs can be filed based on initial findings. ●Accountability and Enforcement: The Act holds venue in-charges and service providers accountable for any lapses or involvement in malpractices. Non-compliance or failure to report incidents can lead to severe penalties and legal actions. |
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Legal Framework and Penalties |
●Penal Provisions: Offences under the Act can lead to fines up to Rs 1 crore and imprisonment of up to 10 years, depending on the severity of the offence. This stringent legal framework aims to deter malpractices by imposing significant consequences on perpetrators. |
Potential Impact and Challenges
- Enhanced Deterrence: By standardising examination procedures and enforcing strict penalties, the Act aims to enhance transparency and credibility in public examinations. This can help restore trust among candidates and stakeholders in the fairness of the examination process.
- Adaptation by States: The Act also serves as a model for states to adopt similar legislation tailored to their specific needs. This uniformity in approach can streamline examination conduct across the country.
- Challenges and Oversight: Despite the robust framework, challenges in implementation and oversight remain. Ensuring consistent adherence to guidelines, especially in remote areas, and addressing technological vulnerabilities in CBT systems are ongoing concerns.
Conclusion
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is a significant move to protect the integrity of exams. It sets rules, increases oversight, and imposes penalties to reduce cheating. The aim is to ensure a fair evaluation process for millions of candidates. Strict enforcement, adaptation to challenges, and collaboration among government bodies, exam authorities, and stakeholders will determine its success.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. India has a large young population, but many graduates lack the skills needed for the modern workforce. Analyze the challenges in integrating vocational training and skill development into the mainstream education system. |
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