The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is set to deploy drone surveillance to monitor sensitive examination centres during the forthcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams. This initiative aims to ensure malpractice-free examinations across the state.
Approximately 500 out of 8,500 examination centres have been identified as sensitive, based on past instances of malpractices. To prevent unauthorised gatherings and potential cheating, photocopying centres within a 500 metre radius of these examination centres will remain closed during the exam period. Additionally, Section 144 will be imposed in these areas to prohibit unlawful assemblies.
In a first, the board will implement facial recognition systems to verify the identities of examination staff, including centre directors and supervisors, before granting them access to the centres. Official identity cards will also be issued through the divisional board to prevent unauthorised personnel from entering the premises.
The Class 12 (HSC) exams are scheduled from 11 February to 11 March, 2025, followed by the Class 10 (SSC) exams from 21 February to 17 March, 2025. Authorities have been directed to ensure all necessary facilities are in place before the exams commence. Throughout the examination period, external surveillance of centres will be conducted, and dedicated flying squads will perform surprise inspections to uphold the integrity of the exams.
These measures reflect the board’s commitment to conducting fair and transparent examinations, leveraging technology to uphold academic integrity.
