Board Exam 2025: Maharashtra to Get Drone Surveillance, Facial ID Checks at Sensitive Centres

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced that drone surveillance will be used to monitor sensitive examination centres during the upcoming Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) board exams. This is the first time such a measure is being implemented in the state to ensure fair examinations.

Facial Recognition for Exam Officials

Apart from drone monitoring, the board will introduce a facial recognition system at exam centres. This will be used to verify the identities of examination officials, including the centre director and supervisors, as per the notice issued by MSBSHSE secretary Madhuri Savarkar.

To further strengthen security, the board has issued additional guidelines:

• Photocopying centres within a 500-metre radius of examination centres will remain closed during exam hours.
• Section 144, which restricts the gathering of people, will be enforced around exam centres.
• District officials must ensure that all necessary facilities are in place at exam centres a day before the exams begin.
• Video recording will be conducted outside examination centres to monitor any suspicious activities.
• Any malpractice detected will lead to strict action under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982.

These measures were finalised during a meeting attended by state Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Principal Secretary of School Education and Sports Department Ranjit Deol, Commissioner of Education Sachindra Singh, district collectors, senior police officials, and other state officers.

Class 10 board exams in Maharashtra are scheduled to take place from 21 February to 17 March 2025, while Class 12 exams will be held from 11 February to 11 March 2025. The Maharashtra board is taking these steps to maintain transparency and fairness in the board exams, ensuring a smooth process for students.