Pune: Malpractices during SSC exams this year plunged by 70% to 89 from 299 last year, while those during HSC exams saw a 20% drop from 452 cases to 360—a feat state board officials attributed to strict vigilance.
The board spent at least two months before the exams working on a campaign, officials said. “In a meeting chaired by chief secretary, directives were given for its effective implementation. District administrations monitored sensitive exam centres using drone cameras, conducted audio-visual recording outside centres, and deployed flying and sitting squads,” said Sarat Gosavi, chairman of the state board. Besides, authorities implemented face verification of centre directors, supervisors and all exam-related personnel and filed complaints against those facilitating malpractices.
Barring 2021 and 2022, malpractice cases were found in exams held in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024. So, in 2025, the appointment of centre directors, supervisors and exam-related personnel were made from teachers and staff of other schools/higher secondary schools, Gosavi said. It was made clear that any exam centre found involved in cheating would have its approval permanently revoked. Across the state, 271 flying squads were appointed this year, he added. “In addition, vigilance committees under the chairmanship of the district collector, along with special flying squads, were set up in each district,” said Gosavi.
At 251, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar lodged the most cheating cases this year.