Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
• State the context in which the Act was introduced (rising instances of cheating and paper leaks).

2. Aims and Objectives of the Act

• Preserve Academic Integrity:
  • Explain the importance of maintaining the sanctity of examinations.
  • Fact: Offences under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable (Source: Government of India, 2024).
• Standardise Examination Protocols:
  • Discuss the establishment of uniform guidelines for examinations.
  • Fact: Section 3 lists over 15 actions considered unfair means (Source: The Public Examination Act, 2024).
• Legal Framework for Action:
  • Describe the legal basis for penalising unfair means.
  • Fact: Investigations are conducted by officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Source: Government of India, 2024).
• Promote Transparency and Fairness:
  • Highlight measures to ensure fair evaluation of candidates.
  • Fact: Provisions for random invigilation and spot checks are included (Source: The Public Examination Act, 2024).
• Empower Authorities:
  • Explain the powers given to examination boards and universities.
  • Fact: Punishments include imprisonment for not less than three years and fines up to ten lakh rupees (Source: Government of India, 2024).
• Educational Outreach and Awareness:
  • Discuss the importance of educating students on the consequences of cheating.
  • Fact: Schools are mandated to conduct orientation programs regarding penalties (Source: The Public Examination Act, 2024).

3. Coverage of University and State Education Board Examinations

• Clarify whether the Act covers these examinations.
• Fact: The Act defines “public examination” as any examination conducted by a public examination authority listed in the schedule (Source: The Public Examination Act, 2024).
• Mention the authorities listed in the schedule, such as UPSC and SSC, but clarify the lack of explicit mention for universities and state boards.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the key aims and objectives of the Act.
• Reflect on the significance of the Act in promoting fairness and integrity in public examinations.

Relevant Facts for Use in the Answer

1. Cognizable Offences:
   • Offences under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
2. Actions Constituting Unfair Means:
   • Section 3 lists over 15 actions considered unfair means.
3. Investigative Authority:
   • Investigations are conducted by officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
4. Transparency Measures:
   • Provisions for random invigilation and spot checks are included.
5. Punishments for Offenders:
   • Punishments include imprisonment for not less than three years and fines up to ten lakh rupees.
6. Educational Campaigns:
   • Schools are mandated to conduct orientation programs regarding penalties.

By following this roadmap and utilizing the relevant facts, you can construct a comprehensive and well-supported answer to the question.