A cheating racket involving the use of generative AI tool ChatGPT has been uncovered during the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Class 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in Gadchiroli district. Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals, including teachers and examination staff, over the alleged malpractice.
How the AI-Assisted Cheating Operated?
Officials said the irregularity occurred during the physics, chemistry and political science papers at the J K Bomanwar High School exam centre (Centre No. 18) in Charmoshi. According to the probe, a peon photographed the sealed question papers after they were opened inside the examination hall and sent these images via WhatsApp to a teacher at the same school. The teacher then uploaded the questions into ChatGPT, generating answers within seconds. These responses were printed, photocopied and distributed to students during the ongoing examinations. The entire operation reportedly replaced traditional copying methods with a high-tech approach, using AI to obtain instant answers once exams began.
FIR Filed and Actions Taken
Following a routine inspection by a vigilance team led by the Zilla Parishad chief executive officer, authorities found multiple answer chits containing matching replies in students’ answer scripts, prompting an investigation. The peon’s mobile phone was seized and analysed, revealing the communication trail. An FIR was registered against:
- Mahendra Kirme (teacher)
- Sushil Lanjewar (teacher)
- Suresh Burlewar (exam centre in-charge)
- Suraj Kelzarkar (peon)
Board officials confirmed that Lanjewar has been suspended from service, and action against other accused is underway.
Implications and Systemic Concerns
The incident has raised serious questions about exam oversight, security protocols and vulnerabilities in conducting board examinations when students and staff resort to emerging digital tools for malpractice. While the use of ChatGPT — a large language model — is widespread for legitimate educational purposes, its misuse in real-time exam fraud underscores the need for stricter vigilance and updated anti-cheating measures Education officials have reiterated the importance of preserving the credibility and integrity of public examinations and indicated that stronger monitoring mechanisms may be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
