Drone Footage Exposes Mass Copying, 5 Teachers Suspended in Maharashtra HSC Exams

In a major crackdown on examination malpractice, five teachers have been suspended for allegedly facilitating large-scale copying during the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination in Maharashtra’s Beed district. The action follows drone surveillance footage that reportedly captured supervisors allowing and even assisting students in cheating during the February 10 Class 12 board exam.

The incident occurred at Centre 224 in Chousala on the first day of examinations conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Authorities had deployed drone-mounted surveillance cameras as part of enhanced monitoring measures. The footage allegedly showed supervisors across 16 examination halls failing to curb copying and, in some instances, actively enabling it.

Following the revelations, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 17 teachers, including the chief conductor of the exam centre. The case was lodged at Neknoor police station under provisions of the Maharashtra Universities, Boards and Other Specified Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

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Officials confirmed that five teachers from Bhalchandra Vidyalaya in Limbaganesh have been suspended so far. Twelve additional teachers from three other schools and junior colleges are currently under investigation and may also face suspension as the probe progresses. The Education Department has directed the concerned institutions to take immediate disciplinary action against those involved.

Beed Collector Vivek Johnson ordered strict action upon learning of the malpractice. Authorities stated that the use of drone technology was aimed at ensuring transparency and deterring cheating, and the swift response demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach toward examination fraud.

The incident has reignited concerns about systemic weaknesses in exam supervision and the need for stricter enforcement to maintain academic integrity. Education officials have reiterated their commitment to conducting fair and transparent examinations across the state.

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