Keonjhar: At least 745 students skipped the Class X board exam on the first day, raising concern among education officials in the district. Out of 24,056 registered candidates from 478 high schools, only 23,311 students appeared for the Odia exam across 143 centres in the district.
“The examination has started peacefully. However, we are reviewing the high number of absentees according to each exam centre,” said district education officer Purna Chandra Bariha.
Two students were reportedly caught using unfair means during the exam. The education department has warned of strict action against examinees, invigilators and centre superintendents if they are found involved in malpractices.