Public Examinations Act 2024 Amendment: A parliamentary committee has recommended banning rallies, processions, and public meetings on days when major competitive examinations are held. The committee has asked the district administration to make advance arrangements to ensure that candidates do not face any inconvenience due to traffic jams or law-and-order issues.

This recommendation is part of a report on reforming and strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA), which the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports Affairs submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Friday. The committee is chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik.

ALSO READ: JEE Main 2027: National Testing Agency To Begin Registration Soon; Here's How To Apply And Required Documents

Panel Seeks Curbs On Rallies On Exam Days

The committee said public rallies, processions or large gatherings on examination days can delay candidates and cause them to miss their reporting time. It recommended amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to direct district administrations to withhold permission for such events on exam days.

It also wants smooth traffic and law-and-order arrangements put in place well in advance. So far, the NTA has only issued advisories asking students to reach centres early if such events are planned.

Relaxation Suggested For Late Candidates

The panel noted that candidates who arrive a few minutes late are mostly denied entry, wasting their year-long preparation over a minor delay. Acknowledging that there can be genuine reasons for late arrival, the committee suggested a mechanism where students are allowed into the exam hall after signing an undertaking that records their late arrival.

They would be able to attempt the paper only for the remaining time, with no extra time granted under any circumstances.

ALSO READ: MCC NEET PG 2026 Counselling: Round 1 Registration To Begin From Tomorrow; Check Key Dates Here

Separate Window For Invigilation Formalities

The committee observed that invigilators carrying out signing and checking formalities during the examination disturb the focus of students who are already racing against time.

It recommended keeping a separate 15-minute window, either before or after the test, exclusively for such formalities, and not during the exam duration.

Background: NEET Paper-Leak Controversy

The report comes in the wake of the NEET paper-leak controversy and allegations of administrative lapses at the NTA. The row triggered nationwide student protests and eventually led to the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.