42 caught cheating on Day 1 of Maharashtra HSC exam

Students revise for the English exam as they enter the Podar College examination centre in Matunga on Tuesday. PIC/Ashish Raje

Forty-two malpractice cases were reported across Maharashtra during the Std XII English board examination held on Tuesday, February 10.

The incidents occurred during the morning session across several divisions, according to the State Education Board. Amravati recorded the highest number, 22, followed by Pune, 10. Nashik reported four cases, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar three, Latur two, and Nagpur one. No cases were reported from the Mumbai, Kolhapur and Konkan divisions, indicating strict supervision and effective vigilance, officials said.

State board officials said district-level vigilance committees were monitoring exam centres and warned of strict action, including cancellation of centre recognition, against those found encouraging or indulging in malpractice. The Board has urged students, parents, and schools to cooperate and maintain the integrity of the examination process.

Copy-free day in Mumbai

The Mumbai division, covering Mumbai City, suburbs, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, reported a copy-free Day 1 of the 2026 board exams, said Mumbai Divisional Chairperson Rajendra Ahire. "Exams began on time, and there were no administrative issues, including with question papers or answer booklets," he said.

22
No of cases (highest) in Amravati

- Inputs by Aditi Alurkar