The Maharashtra government has derecognised 107 examination centres across the state following reports of copying and other irregularities during the ongoing Class 10 and 12 board examinations, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the Assembly on Friday.
Replying during Question Hour, Bhuse said the action formed part of a “copy-free examination campaign” launched for the February-March 2026 board examinations to ensure a fair and secure environment.
According to his written reply, recognition of 31 Class 10 centres and 76 Class 12 centres was cancelled around January 13 after instances of malpractice were detected.
The minister said the state had introduced stringent preventive measures, making installation of CCTV cameras mandatory at all Class 10 and Class 12 examination centres. Staff, including superintendents, invigilators and other personnel posted at centres lacking CCTV coverage, have been replaced.
Special stationary squads and drones have been deployed at sensitive centres to monitor activities and deter unfair practices, he added.
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District-level vigilance committees have also been constituted under the chairmanship of District Collectors in accordance with a government resolution issued on January 9. Their roles and responsibilities have been clearly defined to strengthen oversight during the examination period.
In addition, flying squads have been formed to conduct surprise inspections at examination centres. Immediate action will be initiated against individuals found guilty of malpractice, Bhuse said.
Strict instructions have been issued under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act to register cognisable and non-bailable offences against those involved in or abetting irregularities, he informed the House.
Earlier this month, drone surveillance exposed large-scale copying during a Class 12 examination at a centre in Beed district. The incident led to the suspension of 17 teachers, triggering wider scrutiny of examination practices across the state.
The crackdown marks one of the most extensive enforcement drives in recent years, with authorities seeking to restore credibility to the board examination system through tighter monitoring and swift punitive measures.
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