Bhubaneswar, Nov 15: The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, a groundbreaking legislation aimed at curbing exam-related malpractices and safeguarding the integrity of public examinations in the state. The new law targets offenses such as impersonation, cheating, disrupting exam proceedings, and leaking exam content before the scheduled time.
Under this law, offenses related to unfair means during public exams will be classified as cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. Those found guilty could face imprisonment of 3 to 5 years, along with fines of up to ₹10 lakh.
The legislation specifically covers public exams conducted by key state agencies, including the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC), and other state recruitment bodies. Additionally, service providers who facilitate such offenses—whether through illegal means or as accomplices—could face fines of up to ₹1 crore. In cases where these fines are not paid, offenders may also face additional imprisonment.
The introduction of this law is part of Odisha’s broader effort to ensure the fairness and transparency of both educational and recruitment examinations across the state, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all candidates. This step is seen as a major move toward tackling widespread exam malpractice, which has long been a concern in various sectors.
The Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 is expected to deter such illegal practices and restore trust in the examination system, ensuring that merit remains the sole criterion for success.
