In a disconcerting trend, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is grappling with an increase in cheating cases during the 2024 Class 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. Despite the board’s rigorous measures to combat malpractices, data reveals a rise in cheating incidents compared to the previous year.
Commencing on February 21, the HSC exams are scheduled to continue until March 19, covering arts, commerce, science, and vocational streams. The latest statistics released by the state board indicate a total of 234 cheating cases recorded to date, surpassing the total of 247 registered in 2023.
During the 2023 examinations, the state witnessed various malpractice incidents, including question paper leaks, teacher involvement in providing unauthorized materials, and the filing of FIRs (First Information Reports) related to malpractices during the HSC exams.
The breakdown of the 2024 data reveals that the highest number of cheating cases, 54 in total, were reported on February 29 during the chemistry and political science papers. This was followed by 50 cases on February 27 for the physics paper and 48 cases on March 6 for the biology and history papers.
In response to these challenges, the state board, in collaboration with district authorities, launched a “copy-free” campaign to ensure a malpractice-free environment during the HSC and SSC exams this year. Strict rules have been implemented, and surveillance efforts have been intensified, including the deployment of flying squads, increased vigilance teams at exam centers, and enhanced CCTV camera coverage.
Sharad Gosavi, the chairperson of MSBSHSE, reassured the public, stating, “We are monitoring every division for the ongoing board exams, and action will be taken against students found cheating.”
