The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 becomes effective from 21st day of June, 2024. Stringent measures against malpractices, with provisions for up to 10-year jail term and fines up to Rs 1 crore has been stipulated, focusing on organised gangs and mafia involvement. Assuring students that they wouldn’t be targeted, the acts and rules are aimed to crack down on organised malpractice, including collusion with government officials. 

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the Central Government has appointed the 21st day of June, 2024 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.

See the Gazette Notification, vide S.O. 2422 (E), dated 21 June, 2024.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was notified earlier in the Gazette on 12 February, 2024.

Further, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the Central Government has notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Rules, 2024 on 23 June, 2024, vide G.S.R. 342 (E).