Irregularities in competitive exams are always a big challenge for the candidates who study hard and write the exams. In recent times, such irregularities have increased a lot. In this context, the Centre is preparing to make a new law to prevent irregularities in competitive examinations. The bill for this was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Apart from competitive exams like UPSC, SSC and RRB conducted under the central government, irregularities in entrance exams like JEE, NEET and CUET are also included in the purview of the law.

Leaking of question papers, cheating and impersonation for the exam all come under the scope of examination malpractices. Violators will be severely punished if caught. The law provides for imprisonment of five to ten years and a fine of up to one crore rupees. It is hoped that the new law with stringent provisions will strengthen the credibility of all types of examinations in the face of increasing examination malpractices and organized cheating in various forms. Following the Central Act, the State Governments can also introduce similar legislation. It can be assumed that it will not be ignored considering the seriousness of the matter.

States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, which have many notable institutes in the country for providing excellent coaching for all kinds of competitive exams, have also gained notoriety for various types of exam cheating. The police, after investigating the cheating related to the ISRO competitive examination held in Thiruvananthapuram, had reached a coaching centre in Rajasthan. Common aspirants are struggling with such organized irregularities in large competitive exams where lakhs of candidates appear. Even mafia gangs are working behind such irregularities. It is not uncommon for these mafias to organize and sell the question papers of highly confidential exams at a huge price through illegal means.

It has been proved several times that some institutes that train candidates by charging huge fees are involved in examination malpractices. Children also rush into such institutions for training. It is no secret that many irregularities are taking place not only in the competitive examinations conducted for candidates but also in the entrance examinations of various highly competitive professional courses. Cheating happens not only in exams. Fraudsters also interfere in the latter steps. Fraud gangs are involved in preparing the rank list and including the undeserving by giving huge bribes.

Twenty offences involving examinations and subsequent proceedings are covered by the Act. Question paper leaking, impersonation, answer sheet tampering, rank list tampering etc. will be treated as crimes. Central agencies will investigate examination irregularities if deemed necessary. The investigation will be led by senior officials. The amazing advancement in communication has made cheating in exams very easy. Even tools the size of thumbtacks are used for cheating in exams and so on. It would be great if the new law would put an end to this. The new rule will bring joy to lakhs of candidates and students who study hard and appear for the exams.