Maharashtra State Board Issues Stern Warning as HSC Practical Examinations Begin
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has issued a strict warning to examination centres as practical examinations for the Higher Secondary Certificate commenced across the state on Thursday, January 23, 2026. The Board has declared that any centre found allowing copying during the exams will face immediate derecognition, losing its status as an examination centre from the next academic year.
Enhanced Anti-Copying Measures Implemented
In a bid to ensure integrity and fairness, the State Board has deployed comprehensive anti-copying measures. Chairman Trigun Kulkarni emphasized the continuation of the copy free exam campaign with unwavering rigour this year. More than 80 percent of exam centres are now equipped with CCTV surveillance systems, a significant increase aimed at deterring malpractices. The Board plans to expand this CCTV coverage to additional centres to strengthen monitoring capabilities.
The warning follows the Board's recent decision to withdraw recognition from 107 examination centres where copying cases were detected during last year's Board examinations. This decisive action underscores the Board's commitment to maintaining examination standards and preventing irregularities.
State-Level Vigilance and Flying Squads Activated
To bolster oversight, the State Board has established a state-level vigilance committee this year. This committee is tasked with improving coordination with district-level vigilance committees, which are responsible for enforcing anti-copying measures before and during examinations. Additionally, flying squads will conduct surprise visits to exam centres to ensure strict compliance with regulations and to monitor activities in real-time.
Examination Schedule and Teacher Concerns
According to the Board's announcement, practical and oral assessments for HSC students are scheduled from January 23 to February 9, 2026. For Secondary School Certificate students, these examinations will be held between February 2 and February 18, 2026. Written examinations for HSC are set to take place from February 10 to March 18, 2026, while SSC written exams will run from February 20 to March 18, 2026.
However, teachers have expressed concerns regarding the Board's failure to announce helpline numbers to assist students in managing exam-related stress. A senior teacher from a Mumbai school highlighted that exams are beginning earlier than usual this year, and the absence of activated helplines could impact student well-being. These helpline numbers typically connect students with qualified counselors who provide support for academic or other stress around exams. The teacher urged the Board to activate these helplines promptly to address student needs during this critical period.
The State Board's proactive measures reflect a determined effort to uphold examination integrity, but the call for enhanced student support mechanisms highlights ongoing challenges in balancing strict enforcement with holistic student care.
