Academic Honesty & Discipline: Maintaining Integrity at PAU
Introduction
Academic integrity is the foundation of university education. At PAU, honesty, fairness, and respect are expected from every student. This guide explains what constitutes academic misconduct, the consequences you'll face, and how to maintain proper conduct throughout your time at the university.
Unfair Means in Examinations
PAU has a strict policy against cheating and use of unfair means in any examination. Rule 10
What is Considered "Unfair Means"?
Unfair means includes any action that gives you an unfair advantage in an examination:
- Copying from another student's answer sheet
- Possession of copying material (notes, books, chits, papers)
- Using mobile phones or bluetooth devices during exams
- Communication with other students during exam
- Looking at another student's paper
- Bringing unauthorized materials into examination hall
- Writing on body parts (hands, arms, etc.)
Who is Responsible?
Dean's Authority: The Dean of the College where the student is registered is responsible for dealing with ALL cases of unfair means. Rule 10.1
When unfair means is detected: Rule 10.2
- Instructor/Invigilator/Supervisor reports to Dean through Centre Superintendent/Head of Department
- Report must be submitted within 2 working days of occurrence
- Report must include:
- Full details of evidence
- Student's explanation (if any)
- Dean takes appropriate action and decides penalty
Penalties for Unfair Means
If caught using unfair means in one hour test or mid-semester test: Rule 10.3(a)
- Debarred from College/University for unexpired portion of the semester
- Deemed to have FAILED in ALL courses during the semester
What "unexpired portion" means: If you're caught in mid-semester exam in Week 11, you're expelled for the remaining weeks of that semester.
If caught using unfair means in final semester examination: Rule 10.3(b)
- Deemed to have FAILED in ALL courses in that semester
- Placed on Conduct Probation for TWO subsequent semesters
- Deemed to have FAILED in ALL courses in that semester
- DEBARRED from College/University during the subsequent semester
This means: If you're caught cheating twice (in any combination of exams), you lose an entire semester and fail all courses both times.
Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices
Possession of mobile phone, bluetooth, or ANY electronic device in examination hall is treated the same as using copying material. Penalties apply even if you claim you weren't using it.
If mobile/bluetooth/device is confiscated: Rule 10.3(c)
- Device kept in sealed cloth bag
- Sealed by Chairman of College Faculty Hearing and Disciplinary Committee
- Kept for ONE YEAR from verdict date
- After one year, device is DESTROYED in presence of committee
- Registrar informed of destruction
Impersonation: The Most Serious Offense
Impersonation means someone else takes an exam pretending to be you, or you take an exam pretending to be someone else. Rule 10.4
Penalties for Impersonation
Penalty for the student who is impersonated: Rule 10.4(a)
- Deemed to have FAILED in ALL courses in current semester
- DEBARRED from registration for next ONE semester
- Placed on Conduct Probation for TWO subsequent semesters
If the impersonator is a PAU student: Rule 10.4(b)
- Deemed to have FAILED in ALL courses in current semester
- DEBARRED from registration for next semester
- Placed on Conduct Probation for TWO subsequent semesters
If the impersonator is NOT a PAU student: Rule 10.4(c)
If impersonation detected after admission has been finalized: Rule 10.4(d)
- Admission CANCELLED forthwith
- DEBARRED from seeking admission to any PAU program for TWO subsequent academic sessions
- Case may be registered with LOCAL POLICE
Entrance Test Authority: Rule 10.4(e)
Superintendent/Assistant Coordinator/Coordinator/Controller of Examinations can expel or disqualify any candidate from entrance test. Their decision is FINAL.
If PAU student impersonates in entrance test: Rule 10.4(f)
Action taken against them as per the above rules.
Appeals
Can you appeal? Rule 10.5
- Aggrieved student may appeal to Vice Chancellor against Dean's order
- Appeal must be filed within 2 weeks from passing of Dean's order
- Vice Chancellor's decision is FINAL
Conduct Probation
Conduct Probation is a warning status given to students involved in violation of rules, acts of indiscipline, or academic misconduct.
What is Conduct Probation?
Types of Conduct Probation:
- Placed on conduct probation with respect to academic activities
- Debarred from hostel accommodation
- Both academic conduct probation AND hostel debarment
Consequences of Conduct Probation
- Represent College/University teams in sports or activities
- Hold any office in student organizations
- Participate in university-level competitions
What Happens If You Violate Again?
If a student who:
- Is CURRENTLY on conduct probation, OR
- Was on conduct probation on TWO PREVIOUS occasions
Rustication and Expulsion
Rustication and Expulsion are the most severe disciplinary actions at PAU. Regulations Regarding Rustication and Expulsion
Dean's Authority
Dean's Power: Rustication Rule 1
- Dean has power to expel or rusticate a student for sufficient reasons
- Reasons include: acts of indiscipline, misconduct inside or outside college
What is Rustication?
Temporary removal from the university for a fixed period.
Duration: Rustication Rule 5
- Minimum: One semester
- Maximum: Four semesters
During Rustication: Rustication Rule 8
- Your name is NOT maintained on college rolls
- NO fees charged
- You cannot attend classes or use university facilities
After Rustication Period: Rustication Rule 6, 7
- You have option to rejoin during ensuing semester
- College is OBLIGATED to re-admit you if you wish to rejoin
What is Expulsion?
Permanent removal from the college/university.
Re-admission After Expulsion: Rustication Rule 9
- Student expelled from college SHALL NOT be allowed to seek fresh admission without Academic Council sanction
- In NO case shall re-admission be allowed before expiry of TWO ACADEMIC YEARS (excluding the year of expulsion)
Example: Expelled in 2023-24 academic year → Cannot seek re-admission before 2026-27 academic year
Notification & Review Process
Reporting to Registrar: Rustication Rule 2
- Dean reports rustication/expulsion to Registrar immediately
- Registrar registers and notifies the order
Dean Can Revise Decision: Rustication Rule 3
- Dean may revise decision within 15 days of passing order
- Revised decision with reasons communicated to Registrar
- Placed before Academic Council
Notification to External Bodies: Rustication Rule 4
Registrar notifies orders to:
- Constituent Colleges
- Union/State Public Service Commission
- State Education Board
- Other Universities
Notification sent after 15-day revision period expires.
Vice Chancellor's Review: Rustication Rule 10
- If Vice Chancellor believes Dean's order requires revision
- Case brought to Academic Council
- Academic Council's decision is FINAL
Maintenance of Discipline
All students are expected to maintain discipline and proper academic atmosphere.
What is Considered Indiscipline?
Acts of indiscipline and misdemeanor include:
- Taking out processions
- Holding demonstrations in residential area of University
- Threatening University officers
- Interfering with functioning of the University
- Defacing University buildings by writing slogans
- Disturbing classes in session
- Assaulting teachers and students
- Other antisocial activities
Ragging: Absolutely Prohibited
PAU follows UGC Anti-Ragging Regulations-2009. Ragging in ANY form is COMPLETELY BANNED in or around PAU campus.
What is Ragging?
Punishable forms of ragging include:
- Abetment to ragging
- Criminal conspiracy to rag
- Unlawful assembly and rioting while ragging
- Public nuisance created during ragging
- Violation of decency and morals through ragging
- Injury to body, causing hurt or grievous hurt
- Wrongful restraint or confinement
- Use of criminal force, assault
- Sexual offences or unnatural offences
- Extortion
- Criminal trespass
- Offences against property
- Criminal intimidation
- Physical or psychological humiliation
Punishments for Ragging
Any student found guilty of ragging (on-campus or off-campus) shall be liable to:
| Type of Punishment | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Penalties | Debarring from sessional tests/exams or withholding results |
| Suspension | Suspension from attending classes and academic privileges |
| Financial Penalties | Withdrawing scholarships and other benefits |
| Short Suspension | Suspension from college for period of one month |
| Admission Cancellation | Cancellation of admission |
| Representation Ban | Debarring from representing institution in any meet/tournament/festival |
| Hostel Expulsion | Suspension/expulsion from hostel |
| Rustication | Rustication from institution for 1-4 semesters |
| Expulsion | Expulsion from institution and debarring from admission to any other institution |
| Fine | Fine up to twenty five thousand rupees |
| Criminal Punishment | Imprisonment up to 2 years OR fine up to Rs. 10,000 OR BOTH |
Collective Punishment
When students committing or abetting ragging are not identified, the institution shall resort to COLLECTIVE PUNISHMENT as a deterrent to ensure community pressure on potential raggers.
If You're Being Ragged
What to Do:
- Report immediately to:
- Your Hostel Warden
- Director of Students' Welfare
- Dean of your College
- Campus Security
- File written complaint with details
- Provide names of perpetrators (if known)
- Your complaint will be investigated
- Action taken against perpetrators
How to Maintain Good Conduct
Best Practices:
- Study thoroughly and rely on your own knowledge
- Do NOT bring mobile phone to examination hall
- Do NOT carry any study materials unless permitted
- Keep your answer sheet covered
- Don't look at other students' papers
- If you need clarification, ask invigilator
- Use only permitted materials (calculator, etc.)
Best Practices:
- Be respectful to faculty, staff, and fellow students
- Attend classes regularly
- Participate positively in campus activities
- Don't engage in or tolerate ragging
- Report misconduct when you see it
- Follow hostel rules if you're a resident
- Maintain cleanliness on campus
- Don't damage university property
Your Rights
Even when facing disciplinary action, you have rights:
- Right to explanation: You can provide your side of the story
- Right to appeal: You can appeal to Vice Chancellor within 2 weeks
- Right to fair hearing: Your case will be reviewed properly
- Right to know charges: You'll be informed of what you're accused of
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Possession itself is a violation, regardless of intent. The penalty applies even if you claim you weren't using it. Leave your phone at home or in your hostel room on exam days. Rule 10.3
A: Yes. You can appeal to the Vice Chancellor within 2 weeks of the Dean's order. The Vice Chancellor's decision is final. Rule 10.5
A: During rustication, you're not on college rolls and no fees are charged. After the rustication period, you can rejoin and continue your studies. The rustication will appear in your record. Rustication Rule 6, 7, 8
A: Yes, you can attend classes if placed on conduct probation with respect to academic activities. However, you cannot represent the college in sports/activities or hold student organization offices.
A: You have the right to provide your explanation when the instructor reports the incident. The Dean will review all evidence before making a decision. If you believe the decision is unfair, you can appeal to the Vice Chancellor. Rule 10.2, 10.5
A: Severe ragging cases can result in imprisonment up to 2 years or fines up to Rs. 10,000. The university may involve police for serious cases as per UGC Anti-Ragging Regulations.
A: No. Expulsion is reserved for serious or repeated offenses. First-time minor violations typically result in warnings, fines, or conduct probation. However, serious offenses like impersonation, violence, or possession of weapons can lead to immediate expulsion. Rustication Rule 1
A: While you're not directly punished for not reporting, maintaining academic integrity is everyone's responsibility. If you witness cheating, inform the invigilator discreetly. This helps maintain fairness for all honest students.
Real-Life Scenarios
Situation: Rajesh accidentally left his phone in his pocket. During the exam, it rang. The invigilator confiscated it.
Outcome:
- Rajesh is deemed to have FAILED all courses that semester
- Placed on conduct probation for 2 subsequent semesters
- Phone kept for 1 year, then destroyed
- Cannot represent college in any activities during probation
Lesson: Never bring your phone to exam hall. Leave it in hostel/home.
Situation: Priya was caught with a small note (chit) during her mid-semester exam in Week 11.
Outcome:
- Debarred from university for remaining 10 weeks of semester
- Deemed to have FAILED all courses that semester
- Must re-register for failed courses next year
Lesson: Any copying material, no matter how small, results in severe penalties.
Situation: Amit was caught cheating once in 2nd semester (placed on probation). He was caught again in 4th semester.
Outcome:
- Deemed to have FAILED all courses in 4th semester
- DEBARRED from university for entire 5th semester
- Lost one full semester of studies
- Program completion delayed by 6 months
Lesson: Second offense results in semester loss. Don't risk your academic career.
Situation: Neha asked her friend Sonia to attend her exam. They were caught.
Outcome for Neha (impersonated):
- Failed all courses in current semester
- Debarred from registration for next semester
- Conduct probation for 2 subsequent semesters
Outcome for Sonia (impersonator):
- Failed all her own courses in current semester
- Debarred from registration for next semester
- Conduct probation for 2 subsequent semesters
Lesson: Both parties suffer severely. Never agree to impersonate or be impersonated.
Tips to Maintain Academic Integrity
- Study consistently throughout the semester
- Form study groups with honest classmates
- Ask instructors for clarification when confused
- Practice past papers and sample questions
- Get adequate sleep before exams
- Leave phone and unauthorized materials at home
- Arrive early to settle in calmly
- Read instructions carefully
- Keep your answer sheet covered
- Focus on your own paper
- If you need help, ask the invigilator
- Use only permitted materials
- Stay calm if you don't know an answer
- Treat everyone with respect
- Be a positive influence on juniors
- Report misconduct you witness
- Follow hostel and campus rules
- Participate constructively in activities
- Maintain university property
- Build a reputation of integrity
Why Academic Integrity Matters
Academic integrity isn't just about avoiding penalties. It's about:
- Your Future Career: Employers value honest, ethical professionals
- Your Character Certificate: Hostel Warden and Dean's opinions matter for job references
- Self-Respect: Knowing you earned your degree honestly
- True Learning: Cheating prevents actual knowledge acquisition
- Professional Ethics: Agriculture professionals must be trustworthy
- Peer Respect: Honest students are respected by classmates and faculty
Key Takeaways
- Any unfair means in exams = severe penalties Rule 10.3
- Mobile phones in exam hall = automatic penalty Rule 10.3
- Second offense = lose entire semester Rule 10.3(b)
- Impersonation = most serious offense Rule 10.4
- Ragging = zero tolerance, severe punishment
- Conduct probation = loss of privileges
- Rustication = temporary removal (1-4 semesters) Rustication Rule 5
- Expulsion = permanent removal (minimum 2 years ban) Rustication Rule 9
- You can appeal to Vice Chancellor within 2 weeks Rule 10.5
- Your conduct affects character certificate
Where to Get Help
- Academic Stress: Talk to your advisor or counselor
- Study Difficulties: Seek help from instructors during office hours
- Exam Anxiety: Contact University Medical Officer or counseling services
- Ragging Complaints: Director of Students' Welfare, Hostel Warden, Dean
- Disciplinary Appeals: Vice Chancellor's office (within 2 weeks)
- General Guidance: Your academic advisor, Dean's office
The Bottom Line
Your time at PAU is an opportunity to build not just academic knowledge, but also character and integrity. The rules about academic honesty and discipline exist to:
- Ensure fairness for all students
- Maintain the university's academic standards
- Prepare you for professional life
- Create a safe, respectful learning environment
Success achieved through honesty is sustainable and meaningful. Shortcuts through cheating lead to temporary gains but long-term losses. Build your career on a foundation of integrity—it's the only foundation that lasts.