MSBSHSE SSC Exam Starts Today: Maharashtra Implements Drone Surveillance For Integrity

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) begins the Std X (SSC) board exams across the state today. As per a Midday report, a total of 16,11,610 students have registered for the exams, including 8,64,120 boys, 7,47,471 girls, and 19 transgender students. The exams will take place at 5,130 main centres, with students from 23,492 secondary schools participating.

In the Mumbai division, which includes six district zones-Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburbs 1, and Mumbai Suburbs 2-a total of 3,58,854 students are registered, comprising 1,87,362 boys, 1,71,490 girls, and 2 transgender students.

To ensure fair examinations, authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent misconduct. At 701 examination centres across the state, all staff have been replaced, including 139 centres in Pune, 93 in Nashik, 86 in Nagpur, 11 in Mumbai, 54 in Kolhapur, and 59 in Latur. Drone cameras will also be used at various exam centres to monitor for irregularities, similar to the recent HSC exams.

Rajendra Ahire, Chairperson of the Mumbai Divisional Board of MSBSHSE, spoke to the Midday about the preparations for the SSC exams, the effectiveness of the Copy-Free Exam campaign, last-minute applications, and student concerns.

On the effectiveness of the Copy-Free Exam campaign in Mumbai: Ahire stated in the same report that the campaign has been very successful. Over the years, Mumbai has reported fewer cases of malpractice compared to other regions. During the ongoing HSC exams, only two cases of copying have been detected so far. Vigilance and monitoring have been strengthened at all centres.

Regarding sensitive exam centres: Ahire explained that these centres are identified based on past records of malpractice. This year, 11 sensitive centres have been identified in the Mumbai division, where external staff will be assigned to ensure strict monitoring and security.

On handling last-minute applications: Ahire mentioned that if a student submits a last-minute application with the required documents and fees, the board must process it quickly. The online system has made this process much smoother, allowing students to download their hall tickets immediately.

A message for stressed students: Ahire encourages students not to feel anxious. He advises them to focus on their studies, revise regularly, and stay calm. The Maharashtra State Board offers multiple opportunities for improvement, including ATKT (Allowed to Keep Term) for students who fail in one or more subjects, supplementary exams, and re-examinations in July.

Key points about sensitive exam centres:

• Exam centres are marked as sensitive based on past malpractice records.
• If even one case of cheating is reported in the last five years, the centre is classified as sensitive.
• Once declared sensitive, external staff is deployed, and additional monitoring measures are put in place.

Students are reminded that exams are just a part of their academic journey and should approach them with confidence.