Odisha Implements Robust Five-Tier Security for Higher Secondary Exams 2026
The Council of Higher Secondary Examination (CHSE) in Odisha has established an extensive and foolproof security framework for the Annual Higher Secondary Examination (AHSE)-2026, which is set to commence across the state on Wednesday. This critical examination will see participation from more than 4 lakh students, encompassing both regular and ex-regular categories. On the opening day, science stream students will undertake their Modern Indian Language paper, marking the beginning of this significant academic assessment.
Comprehensive Security Arrangements
Controller of Examinations at CHSE, Prashant Kumar Parida, detailed the implementation of a sophisticated five-tier security system designed to safeguard examination centers and exam management hubs, where question papers are securely stored. This multi-layered approach aims to prevent any irregularities throughout the examination process, including during the dispatch and receipt of question papers. Parida explained that the security measures are structured at five distinct levels: college-level (designated as exam centers), examination management hub-level, district-level, zonal-level, and central-level, ensuring comprehensive oversight and accountability.
Enhanced Monitoring and Surveillance
To further bolster exam integrity, each district will be overseen by a dedicated six-member squad responsible for supervising the examination procedures. Additionally, every examination center will be equipped with five exam observers tasked with preventing any instances of malpractice. In a significant technological upgrade, all examination halls have been placed under AI-based CCTV surveillance, with live-streaming capabilities enabling centralized monitoring from the control room located at the CHSE head office in Bhubaneswar.
AI cameras have also been installed at 221 exam management hubs to enhance security at these critical points. For the 2026 examination, question papers are being transported to these hubs via vehicles equipped with GPS tracking systems, ensuring real-time monitoring and traceability throughout the logistics chain.
Strict Examination Protocols
During the examination, which spans three hours daily, students are permitted only one toilet break. If this break exceeds two minutes, invigilators are required to document the incident. Following such a break, students must undergo body frisking again before re-entering the examination hall, reinforcing the stringent measures in place to maintain exam discipline and fairness.
Examination and Evaluation Timeline
The AHSE-2026 is scheduled to continue until March 28, after which the evaluation of answer papers is tentatively set to begin on April 2. This evaluation process is expected to extend over a month, with results likely to be announced in mid-May, providing students with timely feedback on their performance.
Earlier, the internal assessment for AHSE was conducted in two phases: the first phase from December 22 to 31, and the second phase from January 10 to 15, laying the groundwork for the main examination. This structured approach underscores CHSE's commitment to a transparent and secure examination system for the benefit of all stakeholders in Odisha's educational landscape.
