The suspected leak of the Maharashtra Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) 2026 Chemistry question paper has come under investigation in Nagpur. Authorities have launched a detailed probe after similarities were reported between a practice test circulated at a coaching institute and the actual board examination paper. Police and education officials are examining whether the question paper was accessed or shared before the examination, raising concerns about board exam security and fairness.
SIT Formed to Investigate Maharashtra HSC Paper Leak
Following the allegations, authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the suspected leak. The team is expected to investigate how the exam paper might have been accessed and whether any organised network was involved. Officials indicated that the investigation will review the entire chain of exam paper handling, including the printing, transportation, and distribution process. The objective is to determine whether the breach occurred at the institutional level or through external intermediaries. As part of the probe, police have begun questioning individuals associated with a coaching institute in the Umred area of Nagpur that reportedly conducted a practice test shortly before the board examination.
Maharashtra HSC Coaching Institute Comes Under Scanner
Investigators are examining allegations that several questions in the institute’s mock test closely resembled those that appeared in the Class 12 Chemistry board examination. This similarity raised suspicion among authorities and prompted the launch of a formal investigation. The coaching institute director has been questioned, and investigators are reviewing academic materials and digital records related to the practice test conducted before the exam. Authorities are also analysing whether the alleged leak involved the circulation of questions through messaging applications or other digital platforms before the exam was conducted.
Police Examine Digital Evidence and Communication Records
The investigation team has started examining mobile phones, computers, and communication records to trace the origin and possible distribution of the suspected leaked paper. Officials believe that analysing digital footprints will help determine whether exam content was shared intentionally or if the similarities were coincidental. Several individuals connected with coaching centres, school staff, and other stakeholders have reportedly been questioned during the inquiry.
Concerns Over Maharashtra HSC Board Exam Security
The incident has sparked wider concerns about the integrity of board examinations and the role of coaching centres in exam preparation. Education authorities are expected to review security measures to prevent similar incidents in future examinations. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have stated that strict action will be taken if evidence confirms that the HSC 2026 Chemistry question paper was leaked before the examination. The SIT’s findings are expected to clarify the sequence of events and identify those responsible.