HSC Exams 2026: "Zero Tolerance" in Sambhajinagar; Exam Centre Staff to Face FIRs if Students Caught Cheating
The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Board has issued a stern warning ahead of the HSC exams 2026. Under the "Copy-Free" campaign, not just students, but exam center staff, invigilators, and heads will face criminal action and suspension if malpractice is detected. Read the full guidelines.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad): As the countdown begins for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 12 examinations, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), particularly the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Board, has adopted a "Zero Tolerance" policy against malpractice.
In a significant shift from previous years, the board has made it clear that the responsibility for a "Copy-Free" exam does not lie solely with the students. If any instance of mass copying or malpractice is detected at an exam center, the staff, invigilators, and center heads will be held directly accountable and will face severe legal and disciplinary action.
The "Copy-Free" Campaign: What’s New?
The Divisional Board is implementing the "Copy-Free Exam" campaign with renewed vigor for the February-March 2026 session.
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Collective Responsibility: Traditionally, students caught with chit sheets or electronic devices faced debarment. However, this year, the board has observed that malpractice often occurs with the silent (or active) consent of the invigilators.
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The Warning: Authorities have stated that if students are found copying, or if "copy material" is found strewn around the exam hall, the invigilators on duty will be booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board and Other Specified Examinations Act, 1982.
Action Against Staff: FIRs and Suspension
The administration has outlined specific penalties for errant staff:
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Criminal Cases: FIRs will be registered against teachers or non-teaching staff found aiding students or turning a blind eye to cheating.
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Disciplinary Action: The board will recommend the suspension of such staff members to the education department.
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Centre Cancellation: If a specific exam center is found to be a hub for "mass copying," its recognition as an exam center will be cancelled for future examinations.
Flying Squads and Surveillance
To ensure strict compliance, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division has constituted multiple layers of vigilance.
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Flying Squads: Special squads comprising revenue officials, police, and education officers will conduct surprise inspections.
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CCTV Monitoring: Sensitive and hypersensitive exam centers will be under constant CCTV surveillance.
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GPS Tracking: The movement of question papers from custody to the exam hall will be tracked using GPS-enabled vehicles to prevent leaks.
Section 144 Imposed
To prevent external interference, the district administration is likely to impose Section 144 (prohibitory orders) within a 100-meter radius of all exam centers.
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Photocopy (Xerox) shops in the vicinity will remain closed during exam hours.
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Unauthorized persons gathering near the centers will be detained by the police.
A Message to Parents and Students
Board officials have appealed to students to rely on their hard work rather than unfair means. They have also warned parents not to crowd outside exam centers or attempt to pass chits, as this could lead to their arrest and ruin their child's academic future.
Conclusion: The message from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is loud and clear: The sanctity of the HSC exams is paramount. By holding the "guardians of the exam hall" (the staff) accountable, the board aims to ensure a level playing field for all merit-holding students in 2026.
