MSBSHSE Leverages Social Media for Direct Student Engagement
As over 15 lakh students prepare for the Maharashtra Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 12 examinations beginning this Tuesday, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is actively using social media platforms to directly address student concerns and combat misinformation. Acting Chairperson Nandkumar Bedse detailed the board's innovative approach in an exclusive interview, highlighting how digital channels are transforming communication with examinees.
Social Media as a Direct Communication Channel
Nandkumar Bedse emphasized that social media provides an effective medium to reach young students where they already spend time online. The board has expanded its presence across platforms including YouTube and Instagram, moving beyond traditional website-based communication. "These platforms are where students are already present, and our information reaches them directly without requiring them to visit our website," Bedse explained.
The interactive nature of social media allows for more lively engagement compared to static websites. With examinations approaching, the board's content strategy focuses on critical topics:
- Last-minute preparation techniques
- Precautions to take during exam time
- Information about punishments for various exam violations
- Stress management strategies around examinations
"Videos by our experts on these topics are receiving tremendous response from students," Bedse noted.
Combating Misinformation and Ensuring Accuracy
The state board believes social media enables direct connection with students, eliminating confusion and doubt. Bedse highlighted past instances where misinformation about board exams spread online, adversely affecting students' planning and preparation. The board now urges students to follow official MSBSHSE social media handles to avoid falling prey to false information.
"Although we kept reiterating that candidates should not believe information from unverified sources, misinformation still impacted students in previous years," Bedse stated. "Now we have established official channels that provide accurate, timely information directly to students."
Sustained Social Media Presence Beyond Exams
The board's social media initiative will continue as an ongoing practice rather than a temporary measure. While current focus remains on exam-related content, MSBSHSE plans to maintain active online presence throughout the year.
Post-examination plans include:
- Study and tutorial videos for academic preparation
- Subject expert content to help students prepare for future board exams
- Revised exam-related content for repeater examinations
Exam Registration Numbers and Student Support
For the HSC examinations, 15,32,862 students have registered across Maharashtra. Meanwhile, for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Class 10 examinations scheduled to begin on February 20, 16,14,987 students have registered so far.
Beyond infrastructural support for smooth exam conduction, the board continues its dedicated counseling services to provide mental health support. Contact numbers of trained counselors have been declared along with dedicated helplines to resolve technical queries related to exam regulations.
Enhanced Measures to Prevent Examination Malpractices
The Maharashtra board is implementing several measures to curb cheating and ensure examination integrity:
- Continuation of awareness programs in schools educating students about consequences of malpractice
- A new rule requiring CCTV surveillance in every classroom (implemented in over 85% of exam centers)
- Random staff switching at remaining exam centers to ensure transparency
- Identification of sensitive exam centers at divisional levels for stricter vigilance
- Formation of a state-level vigilance committee for better coordinated monitoring across all districts
Streamlined Evaluation Process with Teacher Cooperation
To prevent delays in the evaluation process, the state board has held meetings with teacher associations to ensure cooperation. Remuneration for paper-checking has been increased from last year:
- For three-hour papers: Increased from Rs. 6 to Rs. 7 per paper
- For 2.5-hour papers: Increased from Rs. 5 to Rs. 6 per paper
The board has also proposed increasing remuneration for exam supervisors, currently at Rs. 30 for three-hour papers.
"We recognize the crucial role teachers play in the evaluation process and have taken steps to ensure their cooperation through improved compensation," Bedse explained.
The MSBSHSE's comprehensive approach combines traditional examination management with modern communication strategies, creating a more transparent, supportive environment for Maharashtra's millions of board exam candidates.
