SSC issues stark warning under PEA Act, 2024 against Question Paper leaks

Digital Desk

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has issued a stern advisory cautioning candidates, educational institutions, and social media platforms against the unauthorized discussion, analysis, or circulation of question papers from its examinations ,both ongoing and historical.

The warning, anchored in the provisions of the recently enacted Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (PEA Act, 2024), underscores the Government of India’s zero-tolerance stance on any attempt to compromise the integrity of competitive examinations.

According to the Commission, several individuals and social media channels have been found engaging in prohibited activities, including sharing leaked question papers and answer keys. These actions, the SSC has emphasized, constitute serious offences under the PEA Act, 2024. Notably, the law classifies all such offences as cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, thereby empowering law enforcement agencies to arrest suspects without a warrant and denying the possibility of bail or settlement.

The PEA Act, 2024 outlines specific sanctions for various offences:

-Section 3 prohibits the leakage, disclosure, possession, or dissemination of any examination-related material—be it question papers, answer keys, or similar content—without prior authorization.

-Section 9 categorically states that all offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable, highlighting the gravity of these violations.

-Section 10 prescribes rigorous penalties: individuals found guilty may face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines of up to Rs.10 lakh; educational institutions or service providers involved in or facilitating leaks may incur fines of up to Rs.1 crore and face disqualification from conducting or participating in examinations; and offences linked to organised criminal activity attract enhanced sentences of five to ten years’ imprisonment along with minimum fines of Rs.1 crore.

The SSC has urged candidates and stakeholders to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Commission’s grievance portal. By strictly enforcing the PEA Act, 2024, the government aims to preserve the credibility of its recruitment processes and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.