JHAPA: Proxy students attending this year's School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations would face stern action.

One taking the exams scheduled to be held from March 31 to April 8 for genuine students would face a fine of up to Rs 100,000 each or an imprisonment of up to six months or both.

This action comes against the backdrop of reports of proxy students making it to exam centres and taking the exams for others across the country.

The information was shared at a press conference organised by the District Education Office, Jhapa at Birtamod on Tuesday.

Addressing the conference, District Education Officer Dilli Ram Luitel said that those flouting the exam norms and committing illegal activities would be fined up to Rs 100,000 or face a sentence of up to six months or both under the Education Act 2028 and Education Regulations 2059.

Meanwhile, a total 16,979 students are sitting for the exams this year and a total of 52 exam centres have been designated across the district.

Luitel said that all preparations for the exams are over and answer sheets have been sent to all the exam centres.