Maharashtra: Ahead of board exams, students to take pledge against copying

In the circular issued regarding this, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board, Sharad Gosavi, said, “The week-long campaign is a result of a 100-day action plan released for the school education department by the Chief Minister. HSC and SSC exams are to start in February on 11 and 21, respectively. From across nine divisions of the Maharashtra State Board, there are nearly 31 lakh students who are going to appear for these exams. Time and again, state boards have had to deal with various types of malpractices followed by students during exams. This awareness campaign will help control copy-cases.”

The campaign will start on Monday next week wherein each day is dedicated to different activities which are aimed at creating awareness among students on the importance of not copying during exams, its consequences and rules to follow. The Maharashtra State Board has also released a pledge to be taken by students along with the campaign plan.

According to the plan declared by the Maharashtra State Board, the campaign will start on Monday by educating school principals, teachers and others on the importance of ‘copy-free’ exams and the campaign. On Tuesday all schools will have to ensure that the students take the pledge against copying during morning assemblies. On Wednesday schools have to read all rules and regulations for students appearing for board exams along with informing them of consequences of various wrong-doings if they are found indulging in any form of malpractice before, during or after exams.

Among other activities to be held during this week include creating awareness on copy-free exams among students, educating them on how to take care of health and nutrition during exams including sessions with mental health experts to ensure that students are stress-free. Schools are also asked to show a film prepared by the state board on how to appear for exams without any stress.