Uttar Pradesh Government Introduces Stringent Ordinance Against Exam Malpractice

In response to recent paper leaks in major recruitment exams, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has introduced the Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations Ordinance 2024. Approved by the state cabinet, the ordinance includes harsh penalties for those involved in exam malpractices, with punishments ranging from two years to life imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 crore. It covers various public service recruitment exams, promotion exams, and entrance tests for degrees, diplomas, and certificates, aiming to curb the growing issue of exam fraud in the state.

The ordinance follows significant breaches, such as the February leak of question papers for the UP Police recruitment exam for 60,244 constable posts and the March cancellation of the UPPSC preliminary exam for review officers and assistant review officers due to similar issues. Key provisions include penalties for distributing fake question papers and creating counterfeit employment websites. Additionally, the law allows for the recovery of financial losses from solver gangs, blacklisting of implicated companies, and property attachment for criminal activities, with all offences being cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by the sessions court.

This legislative move comes amid widespread scrutiny of national-level competitive exams in India, with allegations of paper leaks and irregularities affecting exams such as NEET-UG, UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC NET, and NEET-PG. The prompt introduction of this ordinance by the Uttar Pradesh government underscores the urgency to address exam integrity issues and protect the futures of countless students across the country.

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