The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has taken a decisive and uncompromising stance against examination malpractice, declaring that all centers implicated in copying incidents during the previous year's board exams will be excluded as venues for the upcoming 2026 session. This firm action underscores the board's commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the state's crucial academic assessments.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Announced for Future Exams
Chairman Trigun Kulkarni made this significant announcement during a press conference on Thursday, as the board prepares to administer the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations for more than 30 lakh students across Maharashtra. The decision follows the detection of mass copying at numerous centers during the February–March 2025 examination period.
Last year, vigilant flying squads identified malpractice at 76 HSC centers and 31 SSC centers throughout the state. These venues were consequently barred from hosting examinations in the current year. Kulkarni emphasized that this zero-tolerance approach will persist, with any center found engaging in unethical practices facing immediate cancellation in subsequent exam cycles as well.
Regional Breakdown of Cancelled Centers
Kulkarni provided a detailed regional analysis of the affected centers, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. The cancelled centers were distributed across multiple divisional boards, with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division reporting the highest number of incidents.
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 28 HSC and 10 SSC centers cancelled
- Pune: 12 HSC and 7 SSC centers cancelled
- Nagpur: 10 HSC and 6 SSC centers cancelled
- Latur: 8 HSC and 7 SSC centers cancelled
- Mumbai: 5 HSC and 1 SSC center cancelled
Notably, the Kolhapur and Konkan divisions reported no cancellations, while Amravati and Nashik divisions saw cancellations limited exclusively to HSC centers. This announcement firmly sets the tone for the board's ambitious goal of achieving 100% copy-free examinations this year.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Security Measures
The HSC examinations are scheduled to commence on February 10, followed by the SSC exams starting February 20. To ensure a fair and transparent examination process, the state has implemented a robust, multi-layered monitoring and enforcement mechanism.
Kulkarni elaborated on the extensive precautions being taken. Sensitive and highly sensitive centers have been identified in every district, with mandatory CCTV coverage installed in all examination halls and connected rooms. Authorities have been instructed to ensure secure storage of CCTV footage, with access maintained at district vigilance committee offices and oversight provided by the state-level vigilance committee.
Advanced Surveillance and Enforcement Strategies
The board is deploying advanced technological measures to deter malpractice. Drone surveillance will be utilized at sensitive centers, complemented by video recording outside premises to prevent organized copying attempts. Flying and static squads, comprising government officers from various departments, will be stationed across centers, with each squad including at least one woman officer to ensure comprehensive monitoring.
Security protocols for question papers have been significantly enhanced. Government vehicles will be requisitioned as necessary for the transport of question papers and answer sheets, with police personnel or home guards accompanying each consignment to prevent any tampering or leaks.
Strict Legal Enforcement and Additional Precautions
The Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, will be enforced with utmost strictness. Officials have reiterated that individuals involved in copying, abetment, or facilitation of malpractice will face cognizable and non-bailable offences, underscoring the serious legal consequences of such actions.
Further preventive measures include the mandatory closure of all photocopy centers within a 500-meter radius of examination centers during exam hours, eliminating potential sources of unauthorized material.
Protecting Honest Students and Restoring Confidence
Education Commissioner Sachindraparat Singh, who was also present at the news conference, emphasized that these stringent measures are designed to protect honest students and restore public confidence in the examination system. "Cancelling centers involved in malpractice sends a clear and unequivocal message. Our foremost priority is to ensure fairness, uphold credibility, and provide a stress-free environment for students appearing for these pivotal exams," he stated.
The board's proactive and rigorous approach aims to create a level playing field, where academic success is determined solely by merit and diligent preparation, free from the shadow of unethical practices.
