Maharashtra’s ‘copy-free’ exam mission fails by 14 malpractice cases

In Gadchiroli, printed answer material and a pen drive containing exam content were found. Representation pic/istock

The Maharashtra government's much-publicised "copy-free examination" mission during the February-March 2026 SSC and HSC board exams has suffered a major setback, with at least 14 malpractice cases detected across the state and 103 examination staff suspended.

According to official records released by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education on Friday, irregularities were reported from several districts, including Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Washim, Gadchiroli, Nanded, and Dharashiv.

The incidents included mass copying by entire classrooms, use of mobile phones inside examination halls, impersonation of candidates, and alleged assistance from supervisors and teachers. Police complaints have been filed in several cases. Officials said strict monitoring will continue and warned of legal action against those involved.

Major cases

In Beed, mass copying during the HSC English exam at Kala and Science Junior College in Chousala led to the suspension of 17 staff.

At Rashtriya Junior College in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, resulted in action against 21 staff after CCTV footage showed supervisors supporting copying.

Washim reported multiple cases, including large-scale copying involving 581 students and several incidents where students were caught cheating or using mobile phones.

In Gadchiroli, printed answer material and a pen drive containing exam content were found at a centre. Nanded reported an impersonation case during an SSC exam, while Dharashiv authorities seized mobile phones from students during a Chemistry paper.