SSC exams begin for English medium schools as Nagpur board tightens frisking and curbs mobile use

Nagpur: As the SSC examinations for English-medium schools begin on Monday, the Nagpur Divisional Board convened a video conference on Sunday evening to enforce stricter frisking measures and curb the use of mobile phones at examination centres.Officials stated that centre heads have been directed to intensify vigilance and immediately report any suspicious or unusual behaviour. The move follows recent concerns regarding exam discipline and alleged malpractice during the HSC examination.Shivling Patve, divisional board chairman, said, "I held a video conference with officials from all six districts under our jurisdiction and directed them to ensure that frisking rules are implemented rigorously. These SOPs are already in place, but their implementation may not have been sufficiently strict. Going forward, we will adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward any violations."Board officials confirmed that frisking for mobile phones will be strictly enforced at entry points. Supervisory staff have been instructed to remain vigilant throughout the examination period. Centre heads have also been told to report any suspicious conduct without delay.Addressing the alleged paper leak during the HSC examination, Patve clarified that some questions were found on a girl's mobile phone; however, she was unable to access or use it during the exam. He further stated that the questions did not circulate widely. According to Patve, there was no photograph of the actual question paper; rather, certain questions in a message bore similarities to those in the paper.Officials maintained that due process will be followed in the case. As per established rules, the student will be allowed to appear for the entire examination. After the exams conclude, she will be given an opportunity to present her defence before the board.The divisional board oversees six districts in the region. With the SSC examinations now underway, officials emphasised that their priority remains the strict enforcement of standard operating procedures and the prevention of any form of malpractice.SSC – STUDENT COUNT (FEB/MARCH 2026)District | SSC StudentsBhandara | 15,980Chandrapur | 29,127Nagpur Local/Urban | 58,458Wardha | 15,916Gadchiroli | 14,874Gondia | 19,384Total Boys | 79,129Total Girls | 74,609Transgender | 01Grand Total | 1,53,739SSC – EXAM CENTRES (FEB/MARCH 2026)District | SSC CentresBhandara | 88Chandrapur | 127Nagpur Local | 96Nagpur Rural | 126Wardha | 73Gadchiroli | 75Gondia | 98Grand Total | 683