https://educationtoday.co/blog/blog-details?id=2886&url=11-Schools-in-Mumbai-Division-Declared-%E2%80%98Sensitive%E2%80%99-for-SSC-Exams-Special-Measures-in-Place *11 Schools in Mumbai Division Declared ‘Sensitive’ for SSC Exams: Special Measures in Place* With the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) board exams set to commence this Friday, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has identified 11 schools in the Mumbai division as 'sensitive centres.' This classification is based on the history of reported malpractices and irregularities at these institutions in past years. However, no schools within Mumbai City have been placed on this list. Breakdown of Sensitive Centres in Mumbai Division While Mumbai remains free from sensitive exam centers, the identified schools are spread across the adjoining districts. Palghar has the highest number with five sensitive centers, followed by Raigad with four and Thane with two. The schools listed as sensitive centers include: Thane District: 1. Sacred Heart High School, Murbad Road 2. Takshashila Madhyamik Vidyalaya Palghar District: 3. H V Patil Vidyalaya 4. Dyan Prabodhini Ashram School 5. Sevashram High School 6. Rajguru H M Pandit Vidyalaya 7. Vidyavardhini Vidyalaya Raigad District: 8. Sri Chhatrapati Vidyalaya 9. Janata High School 10. Kes General Arunkumar Vaidya Vidyalaya 11. New English School Increased Vigilance and Anti-Cheating Measures The state board has introduced additional vigilance protocols specifically for these sensitive centers to ensure a fair and smooth examination process. The measures are derived from an analysis of previous incidents of copying detected between 2018 and 2024 (excluding the pandemic years 2021 and 2022). Some of the newly implemented strategies include: 1. Deployment of External Invigilators: To eliminate internal biases and ensure transparency, exam invigilators and chief conductors at these centers will be appointed from nearby schools. 2. Drone Surveillance: Drones will be deployed outside specific exam centers to monitor suspicious activities around the premises. 3. Video Recording: Schools must conduct video surveillance around the campus to prevent unauthorized access and curb malpractice. 4. Facial Recognition Checks for Staff: To prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the examination halls, officials assigned to exam duties will be verified using facial recognition technology. 5. Closure of Photocopy Centres Near Exam Venues: To reduce the chances of question paper leaks and other fraudulent activities, photocopying and printing facilities near exam centers will be temporarily shut down during exam hours. Mumbai’s SSC Exam Statistics: Rising Number of Candidates This year, 3.6 lakh students from Mumbai will take the SSC board exams, an increase of 19,000 students from last year. The gender distribution among candidates includes 1,87,362 male students, 1,71,490 female students, and two transgender candidates. The state board has set up 1,055 examination centers across the Mumbai region to accommodate many candidates. Among the districts, Thane has the highest number of students appearing for the SSC examination, with 1,21,244 candidates. Mumbai West follows with 57,469 students. Copy-Free Campaign: A Statewide Initiative The Maharashtra State Board has intensified efforts to maintain the integrity of the SSC exams. The copy-free campaign, introduced in previous years, has been strengthened with increased scrutiny at sensitive centers. The board aims to deter students and staff from engaging in unethical practices and reinforce the value of academic honesty. A Strong Warning Against Malpractices Authorities have emphasized that students or exam personnel engaging in malpractice will face strict consequences, including disqualification or legal action. The goal is to create a transparent, merit-driven examination process that upholds the credibility of Maharashtra's education system. Conclusion The SSC board exams are a crucial milestone in students’ academic journeys, and the Maharashtra State Board’s decision to classify certain schools as sensitive centers is a step toward ensuring fair examinations. Implementing advanced monitoring techniques like drone surveillance and facial recognition highlights the board's commitment to curbing malpractices. As thousands of students gear up to take their first paper this Friday, these measures will play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of the examination process. *For more details visit* https://youtu.be/oxZAV0TdUmE?si=MUaiDlTYEqqzPm9X