Mumbai: Over 3.83 lakh students will appear for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) board examinations starting today. Students and teachers are not allowed to use mobile phones inside examination centres, flying squads have been initiated and background verification of all staff involved is being done to prevent any discrepancies in the examination process.
Around 1.32 lakh students will appear for the Marathi language paper from 11 am to 2 pm. While 33,245 students will appear for Hindi and 23,207 for Urdu as it is their first language in their choice of subjects. Some students will also appear for Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Sindhi subjects if it is their first language subject. The examination will be conducted at 999 examination centres in the city.
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has initiated security measures to prevent cheating and paper leaks. Sharad Khandagale, Secretary of MSBSHSE, Mumbai division, said, “Students, teachers and non-teaching staff will not be allowed to use mobile phones inside examination centres.
We have conducted background verification of all staff involved in examination process. Also, flying squads including education officers will keep a check on cases of copying or cheating.”
This year, the SSC board examination will have both, the old and new patterns for repeaters and first timers. Around 59,245 students will appear for the old course as it is not their first attempt. Students can also call helpline numbers from 9 am to 7 pm every day during the examination, if they need any help at the last minute.
Sunita Sharma, a teacher said, “We urge students to focus on answering all questions and completing the examinations on time. They can always approach us or call the board Help-line number if they need any kind of assistance.”