Parliamentary Committee Urges Ban on Rallies During Exams
A Parliamentary panel recommends prohibiting public gatherings on exam days to prevent disruptions for candidates.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education suggests withholding permissions for rallies on exam days.
The recommendation aims to ensure smooth traffic and law-and-order arrangements during crucial examinations.
Candidates arriving late may be allowed entry under specific conditions to avoid losing their chance to take the exam.
In a significant recommendation, a Parliamentary committee has advised district administrations to deny permissions for any public gatherings, including rallies and processions, on days when competitive examinations are scheduled. This suggestion was made to facilitate smooth traffic flow and maintain law and order, ensuring that candidates are not hindered by external disturbances during their exams.
The recommendation was presented by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, led by Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik, during a report submission to the Rajya Sabha chairman on October 9, 2026. This move comes in the wake of controversies surrounding the National Testing Agency (NTA), particularly following the NEET paper leak incident and the subsequent administrative issues that triggered widespread protests among students.
The committee emphasized the need for the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to be amended to enforce stricter regulations against public gatherings on examination days. It highlighted that such events could cause delays for candidates, potentially leading them to miss their reporting times. The NTA has previously issued advisories urging students to arrive early at exam centers, particularly if public events are anticipated on the same day.
Additionally, the panel raised concerns regarding the treatment of candidates who arrive late to examination centers. It noted that many students are denied entry due to minor delays, which can result in significant setbacks to their academic efforts. To address this, the committee proposed a mechanism allowing latecomers to enter the exam hall after signing an undertaking, permitting them to attempt the exam for the remaining time without any extra time granted.
The committee also pointed out that the process of invigilators completing formalities during the exam can distract students. To mitigate this issue, it recommended establishing a dedicated 15-minute window before or after the test for administrative tasks, ensuring that such activities do not interfere with the examination itself. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the examination experience for students and uphold the integrity of the testing process.
