SSC warns of jail up to 10 years, Rs 1 crore fine for sharing, analysing question papers online

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has warned individuals, institutions to refrain from discussion, analysis, and sharing of SSC exam question papers on social media, failing which they may face imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 1 crore.

The caution comes after the commission noticed that several individuals were sharing contents of the SSC question papers on social media platforms for discussion and analysis purpose.

“It has come to the notice of the Commission that certain individuals discuss, analyse or circulate the contents of question papers of ongoing/held examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission on social media. All such activities are strictly prohibited under the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (PEA Act, 2024),” the official statement by the SSC reads.

The commission has appealed to all candidates and stakeholders to cooperate in maintaining the ‘sanctity’ of examinations and refrain from engaging with or promoting exam content.

Also read You are destroying entire system of public exams: SC tells accused in exam proxy case

Public Examinations Act, 2024

According to the provisions of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, (PEA Act, 2024), several activities are strictly prohibited.

Section 3 - Unfair Means

• It prohibits leakage, disclosure, access, possession, or dissemination of question papers, answer keys, or any part thereof without authority.

Section 9 - Nature of Offences

• All offences under the Act are cognisable, non-bailable, and noncompoundable.

Section 10 - Penalties

• Individuals will be jailed for 3 to 5 years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh will be imposed if found guilty.
• Institutions will be fined up to Rs 1 crore, and disqualification from future examinations, and recovery of costs.
• Under the organised crime, the imprisonment is for 5 to 10 years and fine of not less
• than Rs 1 crore.