Centre Enacts Law to Curb Exam Malpractices Amid NEET-UG and UGC-NET Scams

The Centre has implemented a new law to prevent malpractices in competitive exams after numerous scandals, including in NEET-UG and UGC-NET. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claims the law acts as 'damage control,' addressing leaks only after they occur. The law suggests severe penalties, including a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore.

The Centre has moved to introduce a stringent law aimed at curtailing malpractices in competitive examinations, following instances of scams in NEET-UG and UGC-NET. Political opposition, especially the Congress, has criticized the move as 'damage control', pointing out that the law addresses issues post-occurrence rather than preventing them.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh conveyed these concerns in a post on X, emphasizing that while the law is needed, it falls short in proactive measures. Ramesh stressed the importance of systems to prevent leaks from happening, rather than just dealing with them afterward.

Amid this controversy, the National Testing Agency postponed the June edition of the Joint Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test due to logistical issues. This action follows the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which became effective on June 21, 2024, after receiving presidential assent in February.

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