NEET-NET row: Centre mandates NRA to prepare SOPs for tests under anti-paper leak law

The National Recruitment Agency (NRA) has been tasked with developing norms, standards and guidelines for computer-based tests, in consultation with stakeholders in the recently-enacted anti-paper leak law. These guidelines will cover various aspects of the examination process, including registration of examination centers, seating arrangements, computer specifications, and security measures.
The anti-paper leak law, which aims to prevent cheating in public examinations conducted by various central agencies, was made public on Monday.
The new law, which came into effect on June 21, prescribes stringent penalties for those involved in cheating or organized crimes related to public examinations. Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from three to ten years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
The rules also allow public examination authorities to utilise the services of current or retired government employees, including those from central and state governments, public sector undertakings, banks, universities, and autonomous bodies, to assist in conducting the examinations.
In case of any reported incidents of unfair means or offenses involving public servants, the examination authority will examine whether the actions were taken in good faith. A committee headed by a Joint Secretary or equivalent officer will be constituted to investigate such incidents and submit its findings to the examination authority.
The CBI is currently investigating allegations of malpractice in the UGC-NET and NEET-UG examinations. It has already filed its own FIR in connection with the case, following a reference from the Union education ministry to conduct a thorough investigation. With the addition of five new cases from three states, the CBI is now investigating a total of six cases related to alleged malpractices in the NEET-UG examination.