Exam Scandals Shake 2024: Reforms and Stricter Laws Unveiled

In 2024, India saw a rise in exam paper leaks that compromised the integrity of national and state-level examinations. The government responded with stringent laws and reforms, including a high-level panel to overhaul the testing process. New security measures are planned to prevent future leaks and malpractices.

The integrity of several competitive examinations in India was put to the test in 2024 as a spate of paper leaks, exam cancellations, and public protests unfurled across the country, raising alarm over the efficacy of the exam process.

Among the most significant breaches was the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which exposed the workings of a well-oiled syndicate capable of leaking exam papers throughout a vast, interconnected network of students and educational institutions. Despite detection, the Supreme Court decided against annulment, citing limited leak impact.

Government crackdowns ensued, including the implementation of strict laws with severe penalties to combat cheating in public exams. The newly formed panel, spearheaded by a former ISRO chief, recommended sweeping exam reforms, measures to secure testing environments, and introduction of a comprehensive Public Examinations Bill, previously absent in Indian law, to clamp down on unfair practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)