A large-scale malpractice incident during the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) HSC (Class 12) examinations has triggered a strict crackdown by state authorities, highlighting growing concerns about exam integrity and compliance.
Key Highlights
- 581 students allegedly involved in mass copying at a junior college exam centre in Washim district.
- More than 100 similar cases have been booked across the state since February 10, 2026.
- The incident was uncovered by flying squads during a surprise inspection at a Physics examination session.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered permanent cancellation of approval for any centre found facilitating such malpractice.
🔎 What Happened at the Exam Centres?
On February 16, during the ongoing MSBSHSE HSC exams, a surprise inspection conducted at Shri Mainagiri Maharaj Junior College in Washim revealed a mass copying case involving 581 students during the Physics paper.
Investigating teams, including flying squads dispatched by the Board, noticed coordinated cheating, which led to the registration of FIRs and criminal proceedings against students and staff members alike.
Moreover, according to additional reports from other districts:
- 39 exam staff members — including invigilators and supervisors — have been suspended for their alleged roles in facilitating malpractice at various centres in Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna.
- At least 17 teachers in Beed were booked after drone footage exposed rampant copying, with police action under anti-malpractice laws.
📊 Statewide Exam Context & Anti-Cheating Measures
The Maharashtra HSC examinations commenced on February 10, 2026, with over 15 lakh students appearing statewide in Science, Arts, Commerce, Vocational, and ITI streams.
The MSBSHSE and state administration implemented an extensive vigilance framework, including:
- Flying squads and special inspection teams deployed at sensitive centres.
- CCTV cameras in around 95% of exam halls and drone surveillance at key locations.
- Closure of photocopy shops within a 500-metre radius of exam centres to curb outside support for malpractices.
Despite these measures, the frequency of malpractice cases — including mass copying and collusion — has underscored persistent challenges in maintaining fair conduct.
👮 Government & Board Response
State authorities, including the education department and law enforcement, have reacted decisively:
- Suspension of examination staff implicated in aiding cheating.
- FIRs filed under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board and Other Specified Examination Act, 1982, and relevant criminal laws.
- Orders from the Chief Minister’s office to revoke permanent approval of exam centres found complicit in systemic malpractice.
The Board has also reiterated that such incidents undermine students’ genuine efforts and dilute the credibility of board results, pushing for zero tolerance against cheating and collusion.
