HSC practical exams begin, board warns of derecognition if any malpractices are found

To strengthen monitoring, the state board has also constituted a state-level vigilance committee this year to improve coordination with district-level vigilance committees, which are responsible for enforcing anti-copying measures before and during the examinations. Flying squads will also conduct surprise visits to exam centres to ensure compliance.

According to the board, practical and oral assessments along with other internal evaluations for HSC students will be held from January 23 to February 9. Practical and oral examinations for the Secondary School Certificate will be conducted between February 2 and 18.

The written examinations for HSC are scheduled from February 10 to March 18 while SSC written examinations will be held from February 20 to March 18.

However, teachers have raised concerns over the state board’s failure to announce helpline numbers to assist students in managing exam-related stress, especially as examinations are beginning earlier than usual this year.

“These are numbers of qualified counsellors who can help students manage academic or other stress around exams. Generally, the list of such numbers is declared in February as written exams begin toward the end of February. However, this time around, exams are starting a few days early,” said a senior teacher from a Mumbai school, urging the board to activate the helpline at the earliest.