08 January,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
Representatives of the Principals’ Association with officials of the Maharashtra State Board to discuss issues related to board examination duties. Pics/By Special Arrangement
With just over a month to go for the Std X and Std XII board examinations, representatives of the Principals' Association met officials of the Maharashtra State Board to flag multiple concerns faced by teachers and school heads ahead of supervision duties, with poor remuneration emerging as the central issue.
According to association members and principals of civic schools in Mumbai, teachers were paid Rs 25 for supervising a three-hour examination until last year. The amount varies based on the nature of the duty assigned, but principals said there is still no clarity on the remuneration structure for the current academic year.
Teachers involved in paper correction are paid separately, depending on the total marks of the paper, with an average payout of around Rs 6.5 for correcting an 80-mark paper. "Teachers are currently paid Rs 25 for three hours of supervision. Today's meeting with board officials ended on a positive note, and we are hopeful that the remuneration will be increased," said Nandkumar Sagar, secretary of the Principals' Association.
The installation of CCTV cameras at examination centres was another major point of contention. A few months ago, the Maharashtra State Board directed all centres conducting Std X and Std XII board exams to upgrade surveillance infrastructure and install CCTV cameras. However, principals said many schools lack the funds to comply with the directive.
"During the meeting, we were informed that around 80 to 85 per cent of centres across the state already have CCTV surveillance. The remaining centres have been asked to arrange installation through CSR funding, and local representatives will be informed," Sagar said.
Association members said that while most of their demands were discussed positively, no official record of the outcomes could be issued due to the model code of conduct being in force.
Another key concern raised was the practice of assigning supervision duties at centres far from teachers' own schools. Principals said teachers are expected to resume regular teaching duties after board exam work, and long travel times make this unworkable. "We cannot allow our other students to suffer because of board exam duties. If teachers are trusted with all academic responsibilities, there is no reason to doubt them during examinations," Sagar added.
Responding to mid-day, senior officials from the Maharashtra State Board said, "Teachers are compensated based on the specific duties they perform during the Std X and XII examinations. The demands raised by the association are under consideration, and the issue of enhanced remuneration will be examined after the model code of conduct is lifted."
"The state board tells us that the teachers are already getting their regular salary, and this is honorary pay for the work they are doing over and above with the board. At times, a teacher has to travel to the centres they invigilate, and this amount barely covers their travel. During our deliberations with the board last year, the authorities increased the pay of examiners and said that the pay of supervisors and centre operators will be increased in the years to come," said Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals' Association.
Right: Higher remuneration for supervision and paper correction
Right: No change of exam centres for invigilating teachers
Right: Flexibility in CCTV installation mandate
Right: Exemption from paper correction duties for principals who are custodians
