Communication between candidates in CETs to be considered malpractice

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: If a candidate is found talking, signalling, exchanging gestures, or attempting communication with another examinee during any common entrance tests (CETS) conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell (SCETC), they will be considered to have committed malpractice and face music.

The CET Cell issued ‘Rules and Regulations Governing Malpractices, Misconduct and Unfair Means During CET Examination on Tuesday for the CETs to be held for the admissions to different undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Engineering and Technology, Pharmacy, Management, and Agriculture for the academic year 2026-27 from March to June. Lakhs of students appear for the CETs every year across the State and abroad.

The officials from Cell said that the CET is conducted for the purpose of ensuring fair, merit-based, and transparent admissions to various professional and academic programmes, and whereas the integrity of the examination process is paramount, any act of malpractice, misconduct, or use of unfair means by candidates, examination personnel, or institutions shall be considered a serious violation.

They said that ‘Rules and Regulations Governing Malpractices' are being framed to define malpractice, prescribe penalties, establish uniform procedures for detection and inquiry, and ensure accountability of all stakeholders involved in the CET process.

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Classification of Malpractices & Penal Provisions

A total of 13 types of malpractice, their descriptions and the quantum of punishment were given in the regulation. Each offence will be subject to immediate reporting and inquiry by the committee constituted by the competent authority.

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Final decision & communication

The CET Malpractice Committee, constituted by the CET Cell, will examine all evidence. The candidate may be asked to appear for a defence. The panel will recommend an appropriate penalty based on evidence and precedents. The competent authority of CET will approve the final decision. The decision will be binding. ·

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Responsibilities Exam Centres

In the regulations, the responsibilities of the centres were also described. They included examination centres that will maintain adequate CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, and strict invigilation at all times. A centre may be derecognised if negligence, misconduct, or complicity is established against it. The staff involved may be suspended or terminated or financial or administrative penalties will be imposed.