Maharashtra HSC Chemistry Exam: Two Arrested Over WhatsApp Question Circulation, Board Confirms No Paper Leak
Maharashtra HSC Chemistry Exam: Two Arrested Over WhatsApp Question Circulation, Board Confirms No Paper Leak
Nagpur witnessed a tense moment during the Maharashtra State Board HSC Chemistry exam on February 18, when authorities discovered that the question paper had been shared in a WhatsApp group shortly before the exam commenced. Following the investigation, two individuals have been taken into custody, though the board clarified that this does not constitute an official paper leak, and students will not be required to retake the exam.
The incident came to light at St Ursula’s College when an invigilator grew suspicious after a student spent nearly 20 minutes in the washroom before the Chemistry exam, which was scheduled to begin at 11 am. Upon checking, the student was found carrying a mobile phone, which is strictly prohibited inside examination halls. A closer inspection revealed that the WhatsApp group had received an image of the Chemistry paper between 10:37 am and 10:40 am, just minutes before the start of the exam.
Further investigation revealed that the same group had also circulated content similar to the Physics paper conducted on February 16, involving approximately 12 students. Officials emphasized that the student who was found with the phone did not open the message nor use it during the exam, ensuring that no advantage was gained. Another student linked to the WhatsApp group was later questioned, confirming membership in the group and prompting a deeper inquiry.
Police traced the source of the circulation to a tuition teacher in the Mankapur area, with suspicions that the material may have been accessed through someone with potential links to the board. Both the teacher and the second individual connected to the WhatsApp group have been arrested. Authorities are currently examining all members of the group and conducting a technical analysis of the accounts to determine whether the material was circulated for monetary benefits.
Nagpur divisional board chairman Shivling Patve confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched by the board. He reassured that the limited circulation of questions did not compromise the examination’s integrity, and students can continue their exams without disruption.
Maharashtra has seen similar cases in the past, including the 2023 arrest of a college principal and staff in Buldhana for opening and selling HSC Mathematics papers. The board and police continue to investigate, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the examination process while keeping students’ interests at the forefront.
