The rising number of students appearing for board exams (SSC and HSC) under the private category is becoming a matter of concern for the board officials. This year, the Mumbai divisional board has received nearly 67,000 applications for SSC and HSC exams in this category 7,000 more than last year.

Most college principals have complained that even those students who are suspended appear for HSC exam as repeaters by simply filling form 17 (a form students need to submit to the board if they are appearing for the board exams as a private/repeater candidate).