Maharashtra HSC and SSC exams: Sambhajinagar tops in copying cases caught this year

Out of the 445 total cheating cases, 245–more than 55%–were reported from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division. This division continues to remain the biggest contributor for the past two years. The concerns have prompted the Maharashtra State Board to adopt a more targeted approach next year, including reformative measures like counselling for students, teachers, and parents. The board also recognises the need for year-round awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of cheating, starting from the beginning of the academic year instead of just before exams.

The 2025 HSC and SSC exams wrapped up with the last paper of the SSC on Monday. The Maharashtra State Board exams involved various strict measures and close vigil with novel approaches such as drone surveillance, staff-change on sensitive exams centres among all.

However, the total number of cheating incidents recorded during this year’s exams indicates that despite an aggressive anti-copying campaign, the results have been less than promising.

In the HSC exams alone, 353 cases of cheating were reported, nearly identical to the 356 cases from 2024, showcasing minimal improvement despite increased vigilance.

There was a notable decline in cheating cases during the SSC exams, with only 92 incidents reported this year, compared to 140 cases last year. Sharad Gosavi, chairman of the Maharashtra State Board, attributed this improvement to the timing of the exams.

“The SSC exams started after the HSC exams had already begun, and the extensive media coverage of anti-copying efforts leading up to the HSC exams likely deterred SSC students. Additionally, reports on the strict actions taken against those involved in severe cheating during the HSC exams may have had a strong impact,” he said. Gosavi further emphasised that this reduction in SSC cheating cases demonstrates that when the anti-copying campaign is effectively implemented and widely publicised, it can lead to positive results.

Gosavi acknowledged that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar remains a major challenge. Of the 353 HSC cheating cases, 208 were from this region, and 37 out of 92 SSC cases also came from there. He highlighted that socio-cultural factors require a more tailored approach, including year-round counselling for students, teachers and parents, with support from school principals and local authorities.

“We recognise that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, part of the Marathwada region, presents unique challenges. It is crucial to work with school principals and local authorities to foster a shift in the mindset around exams,” Gosavi said.

He also noted that infrastructural shortcomings in several exam centres across the region contribute to the problem, making it easier for students to engage in malpractice. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division of the Maharashtra State Board also had the highest number of sensitive exam centres, which were identified as requiring stricter vigilance due to their past records.

Even as starting next year, the Maharashtra State Board plans to implement a more detailed and stricter approach to reduce cheating during board exams, starting from the beginning of the academic year. This year’s anti-copying campaign was also extensive. The state government, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had issued strong warnings against malpractice.

The Chief Minister emphasised that any teacher or staff member found assisting with cheating would be immediately dismissed. He also convened meetings with district collectors and police officers to ensure effective measures were in place to combat copying during the exams.