In a significant step aimed at strengthening the integrity of public examinations across the country, the Delhi Police has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) under its Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and other examination-related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
According to a press note issued by the Additional Commissioner of Police (Public Relations), Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, the STF has been set up with the approval of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi. The force will be responsible for conducting prompt, professional and comprehensive investigations into offences pertaining to public examinations conducted by key central agencies. These include the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), National Testing Agency (NTA), ministries and departments of the Central Government along with their attached and subordinate offices involved in staff recruitment, as well as any other authority that may be notified by the Central Government from time to time.
Delhi Police has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) under the Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and examination-related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
The STF will probe cases related to exams conducted by agencies… pic.twitter.com/gzduqJ4aSp
Besides investigation, the STF will coordinate closely with prosecuting agencies to ensure expeditious prosecution so that trials in such cases are conducted on a day-to-day basis. The Special Task Force will be headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch. Overall supervision and administrative control will be exercised by the Special Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, who has been authorised to issue necessary directions for effective investigation and diligent prosecution of cases.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which came into force on June 21, 2024, was enacted by the Centre to specifically address the growing menace of organised paper leaks, cheating rackets, impersonation and other malpractices that have repeatedly disrupted recruitment and entrance examinations. The legislation makes such offences cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, and provides for stringent punishment including imprisonment ranging from three to ten years and fines of up to one crore rupees in cases of organised crime. It also mandates that investigations be conducted by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police.
The Union Cabinet today approved an amendment to the Act, increasing punishment and making provision for fast-track courts for speedy trial of offences under the Act.
The move comes against the backdrop of repeated incidents of question paper leaks in various competitive examinations over the years, and the ongoing protests over NEET-UG paper leak this year.
