(ECNS) -- Anyone caught cheating in the national judicial exam will be permanently banned from sitting the test again, according to a new rule from the Ministry of Justice.
One week ahead of the exam, the ministry published its regulations to further crack down on test fraud in any form.
Those who use cheating devices to send or receive information related to the test will face a lifetime ban or criminal charges, and those who organize or assist in test cheating will receive the same punishment, it said.
The new rule also vows to protect the information of test takers and keep a record on individuals.
The national judicial examination starting from 2001 is the professional qualification for lawyers, judges, prosecutors and other related professionals. It is one of the most exacting national tests in China, with the pass rate often below 20 percent.