No Paper Leak, No Re-Exam: Maharashtra Board Clarifies After HSC Chemistry Paper Circulation Incident

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has categorically denied any paper leak in the ongoing HSC examinations, stating that no re-examination will be conducted for the Chemistry paper despite the circulation of its image on a WhatsApp group shortly before the test began.

The clarification comes after Nagpur Police arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged distribution of the HSC Chemistry question paper image minutes before the 11 a.m. examination on February 18. The incident has sparked concern, particularly given previous instances in recent years where images of examination papers surfaced shortly before scheduled tests.

Two Arrested; Police Investigation Underway

According to Nagpur Police, one of the accused is linked to a small tuition class, while the other is a member of the WhatsApp group where the question paper image was shared. Sadar Police Inspector Amol Deshmukh confirmed that the arrests were made at approximately 3 a.m. following preliminary inquiry.

“The investigation is ongoing, and more details will emerge as questioning continues. Until we reach the primary source, we cannot disclose identities,” Inspector Deshmukh said. He also clarified that Students have not yet been formally questioned as examinations are currently underway. The tuition class in question reportedly has around 10 to 12 students enrolled.

How the Incident Came to Light

The alleged circulation was detected at St. Ursula’s College examination centre in Nagpur’s Mankapur area. During the Chemistry exam, an invigilator grew suspicious when a female candidate spent nearly 20 minutes in the washroom around an hour after the test commenced.

Upon her return, her behavior appeared unusual, prompting the invigilator to conduct a check. A mobile phone — strictly prohibited inside examination halls — was found in her possession.

The centre’s principal, Shital Peter, stated that the matter was escalated immediately in accordance with protocol. She explained that on February 18, male students were frisked outside the examination hall while female students were checked inside a designated room before entry. Everything appeared normal until the student’s prolonged absence raised concerns.

When questioned, the student reportedly broke down and insisted she had not cheated. However, officials reminded her that merely carrying a phone into the examination hall constitutes a violation of rules.

Digital Evidence: Timeline of WhatsApp Circulation

Upon examining the confiscated device, authorities discovered that an image of the Chemistry question paper had been shared on a WhatsApp group between 10:37 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. — just minutes before the official start time of 11 a.m.

Further inquiry revealed that the same group had allegedly shared the Physics paper image on February 16 at approximately 10:30 a.m. The group reportedly consisted of around twelve students.

Officials emphasized that although the student had received the message, she had not opened it during the initial check. Authorities believe she did not gain any unfair advantage, as she was unable to access the phone inside the examination hall.

Another student, also part of the same WhatsApp group, was identified after her phone was found in her backpack. The case was subsequently handed over to the police for detailed investigation.

Board’s Stand: No Systemic Leak, No Re-Exam

MSBSHSE Chairperson Nandkumar Bedse clarified that the timing of the circulation strongly suggests the image was taken after the sealed bundle of question papers was opened at the examination centre — a process that occurs shortly before the scheduled start time.

“This happened around ten minutes after all students were already seated in the exam hall. Therefore, it is clear that it has not benefited students at large. The timing indicates the image was taken after the question paper bundle was opened, which does not occur before reaching the centre,” Bedse stated.

He further confirmed that the student’s device contained only images of questions and not answers. As of now, no disciplinary action has been finalized against her, and she has been allowed to continue appearing for the remaining examinations.

Bedse also dismissed speculation regarding involvement of Board officials. He assured that alongside the police probe, the Board will conduct an internal inquiry to determine the precise point of breach. Strict action, he said, will be taken against anyone found responsible.

Mental Health Considerations and Immediate Response

The student’s guardian and father were summoned to the examination centre. According to officials, the student became emotionally distressed and reportedly threatened self-harm after the incident. Considering her mental state, the principal chose not to immediately register a formal copying case.

This decision underscores the delicate balance between enforcing examination discipline and addressing student Mental health concerns.

Exam Protocol Reforms After Previous Incidents

The incident comes against the backdrop of similar occurrences in recent years, where images of question papers surfaced shortly before exams began. Previously, sealed bundles were opened ten minutes before the official start time to allow reading time for students. This practice was believed to have created opportunities for photographs to be taken and shared digitally.

To address such vulnerabilities, the Board revised its protocol. Question papers are now distributed strictly at the scheduled start time — 11 a.m. in this case — and students are granted an additional ten minutes at the end of the examination instead of at the beginning.

Exams to Continue as Scheduled

Board officials reiterated that the circulation was confined to a single WhatsApp group with limited members and did not amount to a systemic paper leak. Consequently, the HSC examinations will proceed as scheduled, and no re-examination will be conducted for the Chemistry paper.

As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on identifying the primary source of the image and determining whether any larger network is involved. Meanwhile, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining examination integrity and strengthening safeguards against digital misuse.

The outcome of the ongoing police and internal inquiries is expected to provide greater clarity in the coming days.