Maharashtra copy-free exam drive falters, state must tackle the roots

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The state 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 staff suspended, our report stated.

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.

We need to stamp out this cheating culture with the firmest action possible. First is to act on police complaints with alacrity. The second is to have excellent surveillance in institutions, exam halls, in the passage so that cheats can be caught with undeniable proof.

Having said that, there must be an understanding that technology is a double-edged sword. While hi-tech can be used to catch cheaters, it is an ‘enabler', too. Pen drives, mobile phones hidden and taken into exam halls… this is technology used for cheating. That is why it is important for authorities to be aware of how the two-edged sword can be wielded.

While these are all designed to catch and punish, this needs to be tackled at the root. A strong moral compass, a sense of fair play, and ethics needs to be drilled from a young age. This is through constantly reinforcing the message.