As the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education gears up for the annual board exams, strict measures have been put in place to ensure the integrity of the examinations and prevent malpractices. With approximately 31 lakh students set to appear for Class 10 and Class 12 exams, the state board has implemented special measures to curb cases of cheating, bogus students, and unauthorized sharing of exam papers on social media.
Special Measures to Prevent Malpractices
The Class 12 exams are scheduled to commence on February 21, while the Class 10 exams will begin on March 1. The state board has taken extra precautions this year, including the implementation of a copy-free campaign and providing an additional 10 minutes for students in the exams. With 3,320 examination centres for Class 12 and 5,086 centres for Class 10, the board aims to conduct fair and secure examinations.
Technological Innovations for Security
In a technological stride, practical exams will be marked online, and custodians responsible for transporting question papers will be required to activate GPS on their devices and record videos during the paper transfer. The custodians will undergo strict scrutiny to ensure reliability.
Enhanced Measures for Flying Squads
The flying squads, responsible for monitoring and ensuring the smooth conduct of exams, will receive new ID cards this year. Additionally, senior teachers will be integrated into the flying squads, equipped to handle situations with patience and counseling, while taking necessary actions when required. Immediate reports will be sent to the state board in case of any irregularities.
Assurance from State Board Chairman
Sharad Gosavi, Chairman of the state board, affirmed that comprehensive instructions have been given to officials through video conferencing, ensuring that all components are well-prepared for the examination process. He emphasized that students should approach the exams without stress, as the board has taken every necessary step to conduct fair and malpractice-free examinations.
