Heavy Fine and Jail Announced for Leaking Exam Question Papers

The Lahore Education Board in Punjab has introduced new regulations, imposing a three-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs. 50,000 for leaking or sharing exam papers.

According to these rules, government officials found guilty of leaking exam papers will face imprisonment, fines, and dismissal from their positions. Additionally, bringing mobile phones into practical exams or causing any disruption will lead to action under the Yeda Act.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has been leading a year-long crackdown on exam malpractice. Reflecting on the campaign, he remarked, “When we targeted the ‘booty mafia,’ we were shocked by their influence, as they had infiltrated and controlled the entire system.”

He added, “In March of last year, we initiated a crackdown on cheating during exams. After significant efforts, we dismantled seven independent gangs. These groups were backed by a private school mafia, involving government employees, exam boards, and teachers.”

Rana Sikandar also revealed that private staff at exam centers were found charging up to Rs. 10,000 to solve papers for students. “After months of work, we concentrated on legal reforms. The Lahore Board has already implemented these measures, and other boards are now adopting them as well,” he stated.

He explained that many individuals facilitated cheating through social media and digital platforms, but legal loopholes previously allowed them to avoid punishment. “We have now closed those gaps. From now on, anyone caught cheating will face immediate imprisonment, with no possibility of bail,” he asserted.

The introduction of stricter anti-cheating laws has been warmly welcomed by teacher associations, who view it as a positive step toward ensuring academic integrity.