India’s parliament recently passed a new law aimed at preventing cheating in government job exams and admission to public colleges. The law, known as the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, imposes severe penalties on those who facilitate cheating, including jail sentences of three to ten years and fines ranging from 1 million to 10 million rupees. While the government believes that this law will improve transparency and credibility, critics argue that it may not be enough to tackle the issue effectively.
One of the main concerns raised by critics is that the new law does not directly penalize test takers. Instead, their punishments will be determined by the rules set forth by their respective testing authorities. This approach raises questions about the enforceability of the law and whether it will have a significant deterrent effect on potential cheaters. Moreover, critics highlight that existing criminal laws already address instances of cheating and impersonation. Therefore, solely relying on severe punishment may not be sufficient to address the complex problem of exam malpractice.
Another reason why the new law could be ineffective is the collusion between coaching centers and students. Coaching centers in India often provide assistance and guidance to students preparing for entrance exams. However, some of these centers are also known for their involvement in helping students cheat. This collusion between coaching centers and students undermines the effectiveness of the law by providing an alternative way to bypass the system. To truly tackle cheating, there needs to be stricter regulations and oversight of coaching centers to ensure they are not complicit in facilitating malpractices.
Additionally, the intensely competitive nature of government job exams and college admission tests in India contributes to the prevalence of cheating. With millions of applicants vying for a limited number of positions, the pressure to succeed leads some individuals to resort to unethical practices. While the new law aims to address this issue, experts argue that it ignores the root causes of cheating. To effectively combat cheating, there should be a focus on improving the fairness and transparency of the selection process, reducing the dependence on high-stakes exams, and providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
Furthermore, the limited effectiveness of similar anti-cheating laws implemented by various states in India raises concerns about the potential impact of the new federal law. Despite the existence of these laws, cheating cases have persisted, and question paper leaks continue to occur. This indicates that simply increasing the severity of punishment may not be the most effective approach. Instead, measures such as tightening security at examination centers and using mass surveillance digital technology to monitor students during exams should be considered. These proactive measures can act as deterrents and prevent cheating at its source.
It is also important to address the issue of influential individuals with political connections facilitating cheating. Organized criminals often exploit their connections to disrupt examinations and manipulate results. To combat this, there needs to be a strong focus on accountability and stricter enforcement of the law, regardless of political affiliations. Corruption and political interference undermine the integrity of exams and create a culture of impunity.
Ultimately, while the new law is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough to effectively combat cheating in exams for government jobs and college admissions. To truly address the issue, a comprehensive approach is required, including stricter oversight of coaching centers, improvements in the selection process, and measures to tackle corruption and political interference. Only by addressing the root causes and implementing proactive solutions can India ensure fairness and credibility in its examination system.
