A significant paper leak incident has emerged amid the Maharashtra State Board Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) Class 10 board exams after Mathematics question papers were reportedly shared on a private Telegram channel before the scheduled examination dates. Officials have registered an FIR and launched a probe into the matter. According to the FIR registered at Shivajinagar Police Station in Pune, the Mathematics Part 1 question paper, slated for the exam on 06 March 2026, was uploaded to the Telegram channel on 05 March at around 8:37 PM, hours before the exam. Similarly, the Mathematics Part 2 (Geometry) paper, conducted on 09 March 2026, was allegedly made public on 06 March at about 4:56 PM, nearly three days before the examination.
Telegram Leak Raises Examination Security Concerns
The leaked papers were circulated through a Telegram group reportedly named Maharashtraleakers, where images of question papers were shared with members before the official exams. Upon receiving complaints, the Pune divisional board officials verified the leaked content and found it matching the official papers set by the board, prompting immediate action. The board responded swiftly by lodging a formal complaint with the Pune police, who booked the Telegram group administrator and some members for their alleged involvement in circulating the board papers before the exam. Law enforcement officials are now tracing the digital trail, including IP addresses and upload sources, to identify those responsible for the breach.
Impact on Students and Examination Integrity
The paper leak has caused concern among students, parents and educators, given the potential impact on the fairness and credibility of the board examination process. Several students reportedly received images of the leaked papers on their mobile phones, adding to the anxiety surrounding the conduct of board exams. Education board officials have emphasised the importance of maintaining confidentiality and integrity in the examination process. In light of the leak, authorities have indicated an ongoing effort to assess the severity of the incident and determine whether any further action, including a re‑examination, may be necessary — although no official decision on a retest has been announced yet.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
Pune police have initiated a detailed investigation into the paper leak case, with support from cybercrime experts to trace how the question papers were accessed and disseminated before the exam dates. The probe will also examine whether there is a broader network involved beyond the Telegram group. Authorities have cautioned students and parents not to rely on unofficial sources for exam content and to await official updates from the board regarding any decisions on the affected examinations. The Maharashtra Board continues its efforts to ensure the examinations are conducted fairly and securely