Bihar Board Class X Examinations Commence with Robust Security Framework
The annual Class X examination conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has officially begun, with authorities emphasizing a commitment to fairness and transparency. Over 15.12 lakh students are participating in this crucial academic assessment, which marks a significant milestone in their educational journey.
Demographic Breakdown and Examination Logistics
Among the total examinees, 7.85 lakh are girls and 7.26 lakh are boys, reflecting a balanced gender participation. The examinations are being held across 1,699 centers throughout Bihar, organized in two daily shifts to accommodate the large number of candidates. The first shift runs from 9:30 AM, while the second commences at 2:00 PM.
In Patna district alone, approximately 71,022 students are appearing for the exams at 70 designated centers. On the inaugural day, students are tackling their mother tongue or language paper, setting the tone for the subsequent subjects.
Stringent Security Measures Implemented
BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor has outlined comprehensive security protocols to prevent malpractice and ensure integrity. District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and District Education Officers have been mobilized to oversee operations, with constant movement between centers to monitor activities.
Key security steps include:
- Entry permitted only between 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM for the first shift and 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM for the second shift.
- Two-tier frisking: first at the center entrance by police and magistrates, then at the examination hall by invigilators.
- A strict ban on electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and earphones inside halls.
- Only the center superintendent is allowed to carry a cellphone; all others must comply with the prohibition.
Surveillance and Support Systems
To further bolster exam integrity, CCTV cameras have been installed at all centers, with videography covering the entire premises. A ratio of one videographer per 500 examinees has been established to ensure thorough monitoring. All invigilators and staff are required to wear identity cards, and there is one invigilator assigned for every 25 students.
A dedicated control room has been activated to address any issues during the examination period. Operating from 6:00 PM on Monday until 6:00 PM on February 25, the final exam day, it can be reached at phone numbers 0612-2232257 and 0612-2232227. Examinees facing difficulties are encouraged to contact this helpline for immediate resolution by concerned authorities.
Examination Materials and Question Paper Diversity
The BSEB is distributing pre-printed answer books and OMR sheets that feature the candidate's photograph, reducing the risk of impersonation. Students will benefit from a 100% additional choice in both objective and subjective questions, providing greater flexibility in their responses.
Answer books and OMR sheets will be issued together, but OMR sheets will be collected earlier as per schedule. To minimize cheating, each subject will have 10 different sets of question papers, labeled A through J.
Special Initiatives for Gender Inclusion
In a progressive move, the board has established 152 model examination centers across the state, with four in each district. These centers are exclusively staffed and attended by women, including all examinees, invigilators, police personnel, magistrates, and support staff.
In Patna district, the model centers are located at:
- Govt Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Bankipur
- Govt Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar
- Kamla Nehru Girls’ High School, Yarpur
- Govt Girls’ High School, Gardanibagh
This initiative aims to create a comfortable and secure environment for female students, promoting equal opportunity and participation in the examination process.
With these meticulous arrangements, the Bihar School Examination Board is striving to conduct a smooth, fair, and peaceful examination for all stakeholders involved.
