Bill to prevent unfair means in public exams to be introduced on Monday

Sources said the Bill will cover entrance examinations held by the Union Public Service Commission, the Staff Selection Commission, the Railways, banking recruitment examinations and all computer-based examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency.

Over the past few years, leaks of question papers of public examinations led to cancellation of tests, affecting lakhs of students. The Bill scheduled to be introduced on Monday is aimed at preventing organised gangs and institutions that are involved in unfair means for monetary gains.

To curb cheating, the Bill proposes a punishment of a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment. Those involved in organised crimes of cheating will face five to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore. The Bill, however, protects candidates from its provisions.

At the start of the Budget Session on January 31, President Droupadi Murmu, in her joint address to both the Houses of Parliament had announced that such a Bill would be introduced. “My government is aware of the concerns of youth regarding irregularities in examinations. Therefore, it has been decided to enact a new law to deal sternly with such malpractices,” she had said.