Maharashtra SSC Exams Begin Across 5,111 Centres; Board Steps Up Anti-Malpractice Vigil
Mumbai/Pune 20th February 2026: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) on Thursday commenced the Class 10 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations across the state, with more than 16 lakh students appearing for the crucial academic assessment.
The examinations will be conducted between February 20 and March 18 at 5,111 centres statewide. Compared to the previous year, registrations have increased marginally, with 3,879 additional students enrolling for the exams.
To ensure smooth conduct and reduce examination stress, students have been given an extra 10 minutes on each paper this year.
Emphasising the need for transparency and fairness, Acting Chairman Nandkumar Bedse stated that stringent monitoring systems have been activated across all centres. The board has deployed both sitting squads and flying squads to oversee the examination process and prevent unfair practices.
Last year, the board recorded 93 cases of copying during the SSC examinations. Additionally, 226 instances of malpractice were confirmed across various stages, including evaluation.
Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, against any student, invigilator, or staff member found guilty of facilitating or engaging in irregularities.
The SSC examinations are being administered through the board’s nine divisional offices located in Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Amravati, Nashik, Latur, and Konkan.
The Class 10 examinations mark a significant milestone for lakhs of students and their families, as results often shape future academic and career pathways.
Crackdown During Ongoing HSC Examinations:
Alongside the ongoing SSC exams, the state board has launched disciplinary action against alleged malpractice during the Class 12 HSC examinations, which began on February 10. By Wednesday evening, 39 teachers had been suspended statewide, including 21 from Kannad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 12 from Chousala in Beed, and six from Jalna. In Washim, an FIR was filed in a suspected mass copying case involving 27 teachers, while in Basmath, Hingoli district, the head of an exam centre was suspended after CCTV cameras reportedly stopped working, prompting a formal inquiry.
With enhanced surveillance, administrative vigilance, and disciplinary action against violators, the board has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting examinations fairly and transparently as lakhs of students undertake one of the most important academic assessments of their schooling years.
