Maharashtra HSC Board Exams Set to Begin with 15.32 Lakh Candidates
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is gearing up for the commencement of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Class 12 board examinations, scheduled to start on February 10. A total of 15,32,487 candidates have registered across the state, marking a significant academic milestone for students in Maharashtra.
Exam Infrastructure and Sensitive Centers
The examinations will be conducted across 10,664 junior colleges, with students appearing at 3,387 main centers. In a move to ensure integrity, the board has declared 248 examination centers as sensitive, based on reports of malpractice or other issues over the past five years. Nandkumar Bedse, temporary chairperson of MSBSHSE, highlighted that 95% of these centers are equipped with CCTV cameras to monitor proceedings closely.
Student Demographics and Gender Disparity
The gender ratio among candidates continues to show a skew, with 8,20,229 male candidates, 7,12,240 female candidates, and 18 transgender candidates registered. This disparity underscores ongoing challenges in educational enrollment across genders in the state.
In terms of academic streams, the distribution is as follows:
- Science stream: 7,99,773 candidates
- Arts stream: 3,80,692 candidates
- Commerce stream: 3,20,152 candidates
- Vocational stream: 27,378 candidates
- Industrial Training Institutes (ITI): 4,492 candidates
Anti-Malpractice Measures and Copy-Free Initiative
As part of the annual copy-free initiative, staff at the 172 centers lacking CCTV cameras have been transferred to prevent potential misconduct. The board has also deployed 271 flying squads statewide and formed vigilance committees in each district under the chairmanship of the District Collector. Special flying squads have been established by divisional boards to enhance oversight.
Board members and district-level government officers have been instructed to conduct surprise visits to examination centers. Cases of malpractice will be registered under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, targeting those who instigate, aid, or abet such acts, as well as direct participants.
Enhanced Security and Student Instructions
To further curb cheating, the state board has mandated that xerox centers remain closed within a 500-meter radius of examination centers, an increase from the usual 100 meters. Candidates are advised to arrive at their centers at least half an hour before the scheduled start time. Morning session students must be present by 10.30 am, while afternoon session attendees should report by 2.30 pm.
An additional 10 minutes will be provided at the end of each exam as per existing norms, offering students extra time to complete their papers.
Mental Health Support for Students
Recognizing the stress associated with board exams, the board has appointed 10 counsellors at the state level and two counsellors per district at the divisional board level. These counsellors will be available over the phone to provide mental health support to students. Helpline numbers include: 9960644411, 7972573742, 9834984583, 9359978315, 8169202214, 9371661255, 7208421381, 7701956068, 8421159528, and 9404783996.
With these comprehensive measures in place, the Maharashtra HSC board exams aim to ensure a fair and secure environment for all candidates, while addressing both academic and emotional needs during this critical period.
