This book covers the amended & updated text of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 (Public Examinations Act) and Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Rules 2024 (Public Examinations Rules).

This bare act is helpful for educators, legal professionals, and policymakers involved in the administration and regulation of public examinations, providing a robust legal framework to uphold examination integrity.

The Present Publication is the 2024 Edition. This book is edited by Taxmann’s Editorial Board, with the following coverage:

• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024
  • Chapter I – Preliminary
    • Section 1 | Short Title and Commencement – This section introduces the act and specifies the date from which it will be effective
    • Section 2 | Definitions – Provides clear definitions for terms used throughout the act to ensure proper understanding and application
  • Chapter II – Unfair Means and Offences
    • Section 3 | Unfair Means – Defines actions that constitute cheating or other dishonest behaviours in the context of public examinations
    • Section 4 | Conspiracy for Unfair Means – Addresses collaborative efforts to engage in unfair practices
    • Section 5 | Disruption to Conduct Public Examination – Covers activities that disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations
    • Section 6 | Other Offences – Enumerates additional acts considered offences under the act
    • Section 7 | No Premises Other Than Examination Centre – Stipulates that public examinations must be conducted only at designated centres
    • Section 8 | Offences in Respect of Service Providers and Other Persons – Details offences involving individuals and organisations that provide services related to examinations
  • Chapter III – Punishment for Offences
    • Section 9 | Cognizable Offences – Lists offences that warrant immediate action and arrest without a warrant
    • Section 10 | Punishment for Offences Under This Act – Specifies the penalties for various offences described in the act
    • Section 11 | Organised Crimes – Details the treatment and penalties for crimes committed by organised groups or syndicates
  • Chapter IV – Inquiry and Investigation
    • Section 12 | Officers Empowered to Investigate – Designates the officials authorised to investigate offences under this act and outlines their powers
  • Chapter V – Miscellaneous
    • Section 13 | Members, Officers and Employees of Public Examination Authority to be Public Servants – Declares that those involved in the administration of public examinations are considered public servants
    • Section 14 | Protection of Action Taken in Good Faith – Provides legal protection for public servants acting in good faith under the act
    • Section 15 | Provisions of This Act to be in addition to Other Laws – Ensures this act complements, rather than replaces, existing laws
    • Section 16 | Power to Make Rules – Grants the authority to formulate rules necessary for implementing the provisions of the act
    • Section 17 | Laying of Rules – Outlines the procedure for formalising the rules created under this act
    • Section 18 | Power to Remove Difficulties – Allows for the resolution of any issues arising in the implementation of the act
  • Chapter VI – Amendment to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1944
    • Section 19 | Amendment of Ordinance 38 of 1944 – Updates the existing ordinance to align with the provisions of this new act
  • Appendices
    • Appendix I – Full text of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1944
    • Appendix II – Provisions of other relevant acts referred to in this act
    • Appendix III – Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, effective from July 1, 2024
• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Rules 2024