Maharashtra State Board restricts invigilator swaps ahead of exams

This year, HSC examinations are to begin on February 10, while the SSC exams will commence on February 20. Representation pic/iStock

With Stds X and XII board examinations around the corner, the Maharashtra State Board has clarified administrative procedures for exam day. Earlier, the board had proposed a ‘centre exchange' system, where invigilators from one school would oversee exams at another centre to ensure a copy-free environment. Now, exchanges will happen only at centres which currently don't have the necessary CCTV surveillance.

The decision follows concerns raised by teachers and principals' association members, who said sending educators to unfamiliar schools for supervision could be impractical. Many also highlighted the strain of commuting, particularly when they have lectures to conduct after their board duties.

Tanaji Mane, chairman of the Maharashtra Principals' Association, said, "Nearly 90-95 per cent of exam centres already have CCTV cameras. The remaining schools couldn't install them due to budget constraints, but should be fully equipped by next year. Exchanging centres for such a small number of schools is unnecessary."

As reported earlier by mid-day, the association had met board officials in January to voice concerns over centre exchanges, CCTV requirements, and added duties for custodians. Clarifying the same, the board officials wrote to division heads last week, stating:

"Instead of replacing all employees at all examination centres, only those at centres without CCTV cameras should be replaced. Ensure appropriate planning for the February-March 2026 exams and submit a report of the action taken."

Speaking with mid-day, board chairman Trigun Kulkarni said, "As per reports, many more centres are gearing up with camera surveillance ahead of the exams; however, those who don't manage to do it this year won't be allocated as board exam centres for the next year. These centres are also to store the surveillance data from cameras and drones, and funds have been allocated to the district officers for the same. Examinations held for the five main subjects and sensitive board centres are to be monitored closely." This year, the Std XII HSC examinations are to begin on February 10, while the Std X SSC exams are slated to commence on February 20.