Rajasthan APO 2024 Prelims Paper

Which one of the following is correctly matched according to Rajasthan Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2022?.

Verified Answer
A. Prohibition to enter in Examination center - Section 7
B. Prohibition of use of unfair means - Section 4
C. Offences by Management, Institution or others - Section 10
D. Possession and disclosure of question paper - Section 3

Explanation:

The question asks for the *correctly matched* provision from the Rajasthan Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2022. To determine the correct match, we must refer to the specific sections and their headings or core content within the Act. Let's analyze each option: Option (0) "Prohibition to enter in Examination center - Section 7": This option is **incorrect**. Section 7 of the Act is titled "Prohibition to enter in examination centre with unfair means". The option omits the crucial phrase "with unfair means," which changes the scope of the prohibition. Section 7 specifically targets individuals who attempt to enter an examination center while possessing or carrying unfair means, not just any entry into the center. Option (1) "Prohibition of use of unfair means - Section 4": This option is **correct**. Section 4 of the Act is precisely titled "Prohibition of use of unfair means." This section directly addresses and prohibits any person from using or attempting to use, or helping or attempting to help in using, unfair means in any public examination. This is a fundamental provision aligned with the Act's objective of preventing unfair practices. Option (2) "Offences by Management, Institution or others - Section 10": This option is also **correct**. Section 10 of the Act is titled "Offences by Management, Institution or others." This section deals with the liability of management, institutions, or other persons when an offence under the Act is committed by them. It specifies that individuals in charge and responsible for the conduct of business, as well as the entity itself, shall be deemed guilty. Given that the question asks for *one* correctly matched option, and both (1) and (2) are exact matches to section headings, this indicates a potential ambiguity in the question design. However, in such scenarios, one often looks for the most direct prohibition of an act related to the Act's primary purpose. Section 4 directly prohibits the 'use of unfair means', which is central to the Act's title and objective. Option (3) "Possession and disclosure of question paper - Section 3": This option is also **correct** in terms of content, but not an exact match to the section heading. Section 3 of the Act is titled "Prohibition of leakage, etc., of question paper or answer sheet." While "Possession and disclosure of question paper" are indeed covered under the broader term "leakage, etc.," and are prohibited by Section 3, the option does not use the exact heading. However, it accurately describes a key aspect of what Section 3 prohibits. **Reconciliation of multiple correct options:** In competitive exams, if multiple options appear correct, there might be a subtle distinction or one is considered 'more' correct. Both (1) and (2) are exact matches to the section headings. Option (3) accurately describes the content of Section 3. Given the Act's title, "Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means," Section 4, which directly prohibits the "use of unfair means," is arguably the most central and direct prohibition related to the Act's core purpose. Section 10 deals with liability, which is a consequence, and Section 3 deals with leakage, which is a specific type of unfair means. Therefore, Section 4, being a general prohibition on the *use* of unfair means, is often considered a primary and direct match for the Act's intent. Without further clarification or an official key, I prioritize the most direct prohibition of the core activity targeted by the Act.