A circular issued by the board also mandates that all examination centres must be fully prepared with necessary physical facilities a day before the exams begin
For the first time, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will deploy drone surveillance to monitor sensitive examination centres during the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations. The initiative aims to prevent malpractices and ensure fair examinations across the state.
Out of approximately 8,500 examination centres, 500 have been classified as sensitive, based on previous cases of misconduct. The decision follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse and will be implemented by the school education department and the Maharashtra Board.
Strict Measures To Prevent Cheating
During a meeting with education officers, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik stressed the need for a strict anti-copying campaign. Authorities will enforce the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, under which individuals found aiding or abetting malpractice will face cognisable and non-bailable charges.
To further tighten security, photocopy centres within 500 metres of examination centres will remain closed, and Section 144 will be imposed to prevent unauthorised gatherings.
A circular issued by the board also mandates that all examination centres must be fully prepared with necessary physical facilities a day before the exams begin. Throughout the examination period, external surveillance through video recording will be carried out, while flying squads will conduct surprise inspections.
Facial Recognition For Staff Verification
In another first, examination staff—including centre directors, supervisors, and other personnel—will be verified using a facial recognition system before being allowed inside examination centres.
To further ensure security, official identity cards will be issued to all personnel involved in conducting the exams. Mahendra Ganpule, former spokesperson of the Maharashtra State Principal Association, welcomed the move, stating:
These measures reflect the state’s commitment to conducting cheating-free examinations while leveraging technology and strict enforcement to uphold academic integrity.
