Allegations of irregularities in the March 2025 examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board (HPBOSE) have been substantiated after a forensic examination of answer scripts from a Bilaspur district centre confirmed tampering in evaluated material involving answer sheet manipulation in the multiple choice question (MCQ) section.
Forensic Lab Report Confirms Tampering
Board chairperson Dr. Rajesh Sharma stated that manipulation was suspected in the MCQ section of Art-A subject papers after written complaints were received from students. This prompted examination of the answer sheets and subsequent expert scrutiny at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Dharamshala. According to officials, the investigation centred on the Rajkiya Senior Secondary School Jhandoota examination centre in Bilaspur district, where a total of forty students appeared for the examination, including eleven candidates from Government High School Jeora.
Nine students from the Art-A stream submitted written complaints to the Board alleging tampering in the MCQ section of their answer sheets after evaluation, triggering formal verification procedures. The forensic lab report confirmed tampering, validating the students' concerns.
Envelope Swapping Exposes Procedural Lapse
Following verification, officials stated that during the inquiry, the serial numbers on the tamper-proof packing envelopes did not match those recorded in the official packing memo. This indicated possible substitution or exchange during handling of answer scripts. The discrepancies in envelope records were highlighted during verification and formed a key basis for further administrative examination of handling procedures.
Students to Receive Marks Benefit and Report Sent to Education Department
The Board chairperson stated that the students were not at fault and that their academic interests would be protected. It was decided that marks would be awarded for the affected questions in accordance with examination rules, ensuring no impact on results. The complete case file and investigation report have been forwarded to the education department for further action to ensure compliance with procedural standards. The Board reiterated that examination integrity measures will continue to be reviewed in line with existing regulations. All related records have been officially submitted for departmental action under established procedural requirements for review.
