The Maharashtra education department has issued a directive requiring CCTV cameras to be installed in all classrooms designated as examination halls for the Maharashtra Board SSC (Class 10) and HSC (Class 12) 2026 board exams. This step aims to enhance surveillance and reduce unfair practices during exams.
MSBSHSE Introduces CCTV Requirement Ahead of Board Exams
In preparation for the 2026 Maharashtra Board examinations, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has instructed schools and exam centres that every classroom used for board exams must be equipped with functioning CCTV cameras before the start of tests. Centres lacking proper surveillance will need to install cameras promptly to comply with the new policy. Officials say the move is intended to further improve exam infrastructure and support transparent and fair assessment for students appearing in the SSC and HSC examinations.
Schedule for Maharashtra Board Exams 2026
According to the examination schedule:
- The Maharashtra HSC (Class 12) Board Exams 2026 are set to begin from 10 February 2026, running through March 2026.
- The Maharashtra SSC (Class 10) Board Exams 2026 will take place from 20 February to March 2026.
These dates are part of the officially released timetable for the Maharashtra board 2026 examinations.
Notices Issued to Non-Compliant Exam Centres
In the Mumbai region, education officials have already issued notices to several exam centres that did not initially meet the CCTV requirement. For instance, 42 of 198 SSC centres and 20 of 149 HSC centres were flagged for insufficient classroom cameras; they have been advised to install the necessary surveillance equipment.
Reactions and Implementation Challenges
The CCTV mandate has drawn some opposition. A federation representing educational institutions has argued that if CCTV installation is compulsory, the government should fund the equipment, especially for schools that currently lack cameras. They have urged authorities to consider financial support alongside enforcement. School inspectors have clarified that while some centres may already have cameras in general areas, each individual classroom used for exams must have its own CCTV unit before the examinations begin.
Implications for Students and Exam Conduct
The new surveillance requirement reflects a broader effort to ensure malpractice-free board exams across Maharashtra. Alongside CCTV coverage, other monitoring measures such as surprise inspections and strengthened supervision are expected to support the integrity of the SSC and HSC examinations. As candidates and schools prepare for the board exams in February–March 2026, compliance with the CCTV directive will be crucial for all exam venues designated by the MSBSHSE.