UGC-NET 2024 Exam Cancelled: Insights into India’s New Anti-Paper Leak Law
The Union Education Ministry decided on June 19 to cancel the UGC-NET 2024 examination due to concerns about compromised integrity. This exam, held on June 18 in 317 cities across India, saw over 11 lakh candidates participate. The government has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.
This cancellation comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding alleged irregularities in another major exam, NEET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). UGC-NET is crucial for those seeking entry-level teaching positions in Indian universities and for admission to PhD programs.
This move, which marks the first cancellation of a centrally conducted public exam, is a direct result of the new ‘anti-paper leak’ law introduced by the Narendra Modi-led government. Known as the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, this law aims to prevent unfair practices in public exams conducted by various authorities, including the UPSC, SSC, NTA, IBPS, and Union government departments.
With its comprehensive coverage, the Act aims to curb a range of offenses such as leaking question papers or answer keys, assisting candidates during exams, tampering with computer systems or documents, conducting fake exams, issuing fake admit cards, and disclosing confidential information prematurely. Offenders could face imprisonment of three to five years and fines up to ₹10 lakh. Service providers who violate exam protocols could be fined up to ₹1 crore, indicating the severity of the law.
The law imposes harsher penalties, including imprisonment from 5 to 10 years and fines starting at ₹1 crore, for organized crimes related to exam fraud. Investigations will be conducted by officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police, with the option for the central government to involve any central investigating agency as necessary.