In a major move, the Maharashtra State Board has proposed implementing a biometric attendance system for junior colleges across the state from the next academic year. However, the board has confirmed that there will be no changes in the Standard 12 Board examination system. Sharad Gosavi, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, stated that the education department is considering making biometric attendance—using facial recognition or thumb impression—mandatory for standards XI and XII.

A state board official highlighted that many students neglect attending college lectures, which has led to concerns about academic discipline. The state board aims to break the nexus between coaching institutes and smaller junior colleges that manipulate attendance records. As per board norms, students must maintain a minimum of 75 per cent attendance to be eligible for state board exams. Currently, many students formally enrol in colleges to fulfil attendance requirements but actually study at private coaching centres.