Maharashtra HSC exam under drone watch as state cracks down on cheating

The HSC board exams in Maharashtra kicked off under unprecedented security measures on Tuesday with authorities deploying drones CCTV surveillance and flying squads to prevent malpractices Over 818 sensitive centres have been identified for surprise checks while Section 144 has been imposed around exam venues to deter external interferenceIn a major crackdown all photocopy shops within 500 metres of exam centres have been ordered to shutdown Amid concerns over attire restrictions board chairman Sharad Gosavi assured that students wearing burqas would face no obstacles provided they adhere to security checks The early start to the exams aims to expedite results helping students with college admissions and competitive exam applicationsmidday interviewed Gosavi the Chairman of Maharashtra State Board on HSC Exams 2025Excerpts from the interviewThe HSC exams have started today under tight security What steps has the board taken to ensure a fair and smooth examination processThis year we have implemented strict security measures to prevent malpractices Drone surveillance CCTV monitoring and Section 144 have been enforced at all exam centres to ensure fairness Additionally 271 flying squads have been deployed to conduct surprise inspections at 818 sensitive centres identified based on past incidents of cheating To curb external interference all photocopy centres within a 500metre radius of exam venues have been shut down during exams Furthermore we have replaced supervisors and centre heads at sensitive locations with staff from institutions that have maintained a zeromalpractice record for the past five yearsThere were concerns about students wearing burqas being barred from taking exams Can you clarify the boardrsquos stance on thisLet me be absolutely clearmdashthere is no ban on students wearing burqas Every student regardless of attire has the right to appear for the exams The only requirement is proper security checks to prevent any form of malpractice Our goal is to ensure that all students have an equal and fair opportunity to take their exams without any hindranceThe exams have started 10 days earlier than in previous years What was the reason behind this decisionAdvancing the exam schedule allows us to declare results by May 15 giving students ample time to apply for college admissions and competitive exams without unnecessary delays Initially there were some concerns about the timeline but we firmly believe this change will ultimately benefit students The supplementary exam will also be held earlier and students applying for improvement exams will receive their results a month soonerThe government has actively participated in ensuring smooth conduct of these exams Could you elaborate on thisYes the chief minister the education minister and key administrative departments held a video conference on Tuesday afternoon to ensure smooth execution of the HSC board exams This meeting ensured that every district and examination centre is fully prepared to handle any and all challenges Additionally for the past month nearly two lakh peoplemdashincluding government officials education department staff and school authoritiesmdashhave been actively preparing to make the HSC board exams a wellorganised event under the initiative called HSC Board Exam Utsav This initiative aims to create a structured disciplined and studentfriendly examination environment across MaharashtraWhat message do you want to convey to students and parents regarding the CopyFree CampaignWe have taken strict measures against malpractices and students should focus on fair means As part of the lsquoCopyFree Campaignrsquo we conducted a public awareness a week before the exams Schools and junior colleges were instructed to educate students on ethical practices and the consequences of cheatingWhat are the consequences for students or centres caught engaging in malpracticesAny student caught cheating will face strict disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act 1982 Exam centres found guilty of facilitating cheating will have their recognition revoked for future board examsThis year students are being allowed to carry personal water bottles inside exam halls What led to this changeDue to the GuillainBarreacute Syndrome GBS outbreak in Pune we have permitted students to bring their own water bottles However these bottles will be kept in a designated area under strict supervision Previously water bottles were banned due to incidents of students hiding chits inside them but we have ensured that filtered water dispensers are available outside exam hallsWhat special provisions have been made for students facing exam stressTo support students dealing with mental stress or anxiety we have appointed 10 counsellors at the state level and two counsellors per district at the divisional board level We have also set up a state control room and a helpline service where students can seek guidanceFinally what advice would you give to students appearing for their HSC examsMy message to students is simplemdashhave confidence in yourself study diligently and avoid shortcuts The board has taken every measure to ensure a fair and stressfree exam process We are here to support students but they must also take responsibility for their performance I wish all students the very best for their exams