Despite several preventive measures implemented by the Maharashtra State Board, 42 cases of copying were reported, out which eight were witnessed in Pune division on Tuesday during the first paper of the HSC board exam. Seven cases were recorded in Solapur, while one case was reported from Akhilya Nagar.

To monitor the examination process, the board had set up a control room at Shivajinagar, Pune, with five to six officials managing operations. Audumbar Ukirde, deputy director of education, told mid-day, “The control room received reports of eight copying incidents. No other complaints were reported.” Sharad Gosavi, the chairman of the board, said, “Anyone found guilty of copying will face action as per the law. If anyone is caught supporting malpractice or if a centre is found involved in a copying case, it will be permanently debarred.”