What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University / State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (250 words)

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to address rampant malpractices in public examinations in India. Triggered by incidents like the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, the Act aims to restore credibility and fairness in examinations.

Aims and Objectives

Curb Malpractices: The Act seeks to eliminate unfair practices such as unauthorized access to exam materials, tampering with computer systems, and conducting fake exams.
Enhance Credibility: By imposing stringent penalties, it aims to enhance the integrity of public examinations and rebuild public trust.
Deterrence: The Act prescribes severe punishments, including imprisonment (3-10 years) and hefty fines (up to ₹1 crore), for individuals and institutions involved in malpractices.
Accountability: It holds service providers accountable for any lapses, with penalties including fines and bans from conducting future exams.
Promote Fair Competition: By ensuring a level playing field, the Act encourages merit-based selection processes, thereby promoting fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates.

Coverage of University/State Board Examinations

Scope: The Act primarily targets public examinations conducted by central authorities such as UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Boards, and others listed by the central government.
Exclusion of University/State Boards: Currently, university and state education board examinations are not explicitly covered under this Act. However, states can adopt similar measures at their discretion.

In conclusion, while the Act marks a significant step towards ensuring fair examinations, its success hinges on effective implementation and broader cooperation between central and state governments. Expanding its scope to include university/state board exams could further strengthen examination integrity across India.