Paper leaks: Maharashtra Board in complete denial

Though the images began circulating around 10: 50 am, the board insisted that they came out after 11.30 am after the exam began at 11 am. However, even so, the fact that students or teachers at the centre took photos of the paper during the exam is a serious offence.

The Maharashtra state board of secondary and higher secondary education has refused to acknowledge that images the HSC physics paper was circulated online before the exam began on Saturday.

Students take their HSC exams at one of the centres in Mumbai. (HT photo)

The board refused to register a complaint, saying the images did not match the original question paper. However, a side-by-side comparison conducted by HT revealed that they were the same.

Though the images began circulating around 10: 50 am, the board insisted that they came out after 11.30 am after the exam began at 11 am. However, even so, the fact that students or teachers at the centre took photos of the paper during the exam is a serious offence.

Photographs of a question paper that was circulated on social media. (HT photo)

“Mobile phones and access to internet are strictly not allowed during exams. Even if the images were circulated during the exam, the board must probe this,” said Uday Nare, a teacher, Hansraj Morarji Public School and Junior College, Andheri.

Photographs of a question paper that was circulated on social media. (HT photo)

Similarly, despite receiving complaints that the HSC Marathi paper was out on social media on Thursday, the board did not file a police complaint until Friday evening. The delay could have easily given the culprits time to get rid of the evidence.

College principals said the board’s callous attitude is leading to an increase in such leaks. Urging the board to take swift action against such offenders in the future, Wadia said, “Unless the board holds students or staff accountable for malpractices such as carrying their mobile phones inside the exam room, these incidents will continue.”