EXAMINATION INTEGRITY IN INDIA: BRIDGING POLICY GAPS THROUGH EFFECTIVE ANTI-PAPER LEAK LEGISLATION

Abstract

The paper leak phenomenon in India is not a recent problem, but its rising intensity and frequent repetitive incidents necessitate us to examine its underlying causes. As students are directly affected, the issue cannot be restricted as just a mere mistake by the responsible authorities but includes authority failure, coaching mafias, poor legislative implementation, and insignificant accountability from higher officials. The paper highlights the paper-leak problem continues to exist despite implementation of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 while understanding the changing patterns of exam malpractices from traditional methods to high-tech digital processes. The paper is based on qualitative policy and doctrinal thematic research analysis. We have analysed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with journals, articles, Supreme Court judgments, and relevant newspaper reports due to its ability to provide evidence based framework. Francis Fukuyama, Principal-Agent Theory, John Rawls Theory of Justice, Robert K. Merton's Strain Theory, and Emile Durkheim's concepts of Anomie,explained the required government and systematic failures and consequences through a theoretical framework. It points out the psychological, and socio-economic impacts on candidates through a comparison of international exam practices with India's examination system. It identifies the Government's overdependence on private exam agencies, along with candidates’ dependence on coaching centres which may contribute towards emergence an illicit paper trading market, potentially results in socio-economic inequality and psychological issues among students.Understanding the internal loopholes within the Indian exam system through an international comparison.The paper concludes that paper leak incidents should not be treated as regular criminal activities, but requires systematic reforms and proper policy implementation to create a healthier examination atmosphere. Keywords: public exams, government failure, coaching mafia, organized crime, unfairness, student stress.