Pune: Over six lakh teacher aspirants across the state will appear for the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MahaTET) on June 28 under unprecedented security measures. To ensure a malpractice-free examination, the authorities will deploy a high-tech arsenal, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and facial recognition, officials from the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) announced on Thursday.
Extensive Monitoring Network
The council has established 1,729 examination centers across 37 district headquarters, marking one of its most extensive monitoring operations for a recruitment-linked exam. The heightened security follows a history of scrutiny over impersonation attempts and irregularities in previous years.
According to MSCE data, a total of 6,00,125 candidates have registered for the exam: 2,58,061 for paper I and 3,42,064 for paper II. To accommodate this massive turnout, 14,568 classrooms have been earmarked and equipped with advanced surveillance systems.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
MSCE commissioner Mahesh Chauthe emphasized a “zero-tolerance” policy toward cheating. “All candidates will undergo mandatory frisking with handheld metal detectors before entering the centers. Biometric attendance and facial recognition will be used to verify every candidate against the original application database,” Chauthe said. He added that in cases where facial recognition fails to provide a match, the authorities will perform secondary identity checks using photographs and government-issued IDs.
Officials warned that anyone caught attempting to impersonate a candidate will face immediate criminal action. Aadhaar authentication may also be deployed onsite if identity suspicions arise during the exam.
Logistical Scale
The logistical scale of the monitoring is immense. The council has installed 18,717 CCTV cameras covering examination halls, entrances, lobbies, and control rooms. In a first-of-its-kind move, live feeds will be monitored simultaneously at district control rooms, education department offices, and the MSCE state headquarters to ensure real-time oversight.
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