Maharashtra HSC Board Exams Kick Off with Over 1.5 Million Students
The Class XII Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) board examinations in Maharashtra commenced on Tuesday, with a staggering over 15 lakh students participating across the state. This massive academic exercise is being conducted at nearly 3,400 main examination centers and approximately 60,000 halls, marking a significant event in the educational calendar.
Enhanced Surveillance and Anti-Malpractice Measures
In a bid to ensure transparency and curb irregularities, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has prioritized CCTV camera surveillance, expanding it to more than 90% of exam centers. Nandkumar Bedse, the chairman in-charge of the board, emphasized at a news conference that this year's monitoring efforts are more robust than ever to prevent malpractices.
However, 172 exam centers still lack CCTV facilities. To mitigate risks, the board has replaced the entire examination staff at these locations—from center directors to support personnel—to eliminate local influence and uphold fairness. Additionally, 248 centers have been identified as sensitive, warranting extra vigilance.
Vigilance Committees and Security Protocols
As per a government resolution dated January 9, the board has established vigilance committees at the state, divisional, and district levels. District collectors will lead these committees, supported by senior police officials, DIET principals, and engineers from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company to ensure security and uninterrupted power supply.
To further secure the exam environment, photocopy centers within 500 meters of examination halls will remain closed during exam hours. The Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act 2020 will be strictly enforced, with the board intensifying its copy-free campaign through bulk SMS, WhatsApp messages, and emails to school heads.
Technological Adaptations and Counselling Support
In districts like Sangli, where CCTV coverage is incomplete, authorities will utilize Google Meet and Zoom apps for remote monitoring, as directed by district vigilance committee chairpersons. This innovative approach aims to maintain transparency in areas lacking physical surveillance.
Recognizing the mental stress students may face, the board has appointed 10 counsellors at the state level, with divisional boards adding two counsellors per district to provide support during the examination period.
Examination Logistics and Student Demographics
All practical and internal assessments have been completed, and question papers have been dispatched under stringent security measures. A high-level review meeting chaired by the chief secretary has instructed district administrations and police to ensure smooth, peaceful, and malpractice-free exams.
Flying squads and stationary teams have been deployed to conduct surprise visits and monitor centers closely. Bedse warned that strict action will be taken against any staff found involved in malpractices.
The student registration breakdown highlights the scale of the exams:
- Science Stream: 7,99,773 candidates
- Arts Stream: 3,80,692 candidates
- Commerce Stream: 3,20,152 candidates
- Vocational Stream: 27,278 candidates
- ITI Stream: 4,492 candidates
This totals 15,32,487 registered candidates, with 7,12,240 girls and 8,20,229 boys participating. The exams represent a critical milestone for Maharashtra's youth, with enhanced measures in place to uphold integrity and support student well-being.
