2024 · GS Paper 2 · Q11 · 15 marks
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?
In short
The 2024 Act aims to make central recruitment and entrance examinations fair and credible by defining unfair means and punishing paper leaks and colluding agencies, but it does not cover university or State Board examinations. Organised paper-leak crime draws 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of at least ₹1 crore.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 303 words
Credibility
It seeks transparency, fairness and credibility in central recruitment and entrance tests, so honest aspirants are rewarded.
Defining unfair means
It lists offences such as leaking papers or answer keys, tampering with OMR sheets or computer systems, impersonation and fake examinations.
Deterrence
Offences are cognizable and non-bailable; individuals face 3 to 5 years and up to ₹10 lakh fine, organised crime 5 to 10 years and at least ₹1 crore.
Accountable agencies, protected candidates
Colluding service providers face fines up to ₹1 crore and a four-year bar, while candidates stay under administrative rules.
Scheduled authorities only
The Act covers UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA and central ministries' recruitment, plus central bodies the Centre notifies.
University and Board exams outside
University semester exams and State Board examinations are not covered, though NTA-run CUET-UG and UGC-NET are, since the Act reaches only its scheduled bodies and states legislate for their own boards and universities.
A model for states
Uttarakhand's 2023 law, with life imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 crore, shows states legislating separately.
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This chapter in the exam
Government Interventions — Schemes & Legislation5 questions
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.