MSBSHSE orders probe after students seen handling board answer sheets in viral video

The footage triggered strong reactions in academic circles, as strict guidelines prohibit students from being involved in the evaluation of board examination papers in any capacity.

Confirming that the board had received a complaint about the video, Rajendra Kshirsagar, chairperson of the Kolhapur divisional board of MSBSHSE, said the exact nature of the activity seen in the footage remains unclear.

“Although the video shows board exam answer sheets, it is not clear what exactly is happening in the classroom. After receiving the complaint, we sought a preliminary report from local officials,” Kshirsagar said.

According to the initial report, the students were not evaluating the answer sheets but were allegedly drawing lines on blank pages of the papers using a red pen.

However, Kshirsagar emphasised that students are not permitted to be associated with the paper-checking process in any manner.

“We have therefore decided to send a team from the divisional office to conduct a detailed inquiry. The team will also collect CCTV footage from the classroom to determine the extent of the students’ involvement. Further action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.

The incident comes at a time when the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations are still underway and a few technical papers of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams are yet to be completed.

However, the evaluation of answer sheets has already begun simultaneously — a routine practice followed by the board to ensure timely declaration of results.