This year, over 16 lakh students are expected to appear for the Madhya Pradesh Board examinations, set to begin on February 10, for Class 12. The Class 10 exams is scheduled from February 13. Approximately nine lakh Class 10 students and seven lakh Class 12 students will take exams across 3,856 centres State-wide. According to the officials, the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has completed preparations and special arrangements have been made across the state to manage logistics, security, and student convenience for the large number of candidates. Centres with a history of irregularities will be under continuous live video surveillance, monitored directly from regional control rooms.

 

District Collectors and District Education officers will have access to the CCTVs and can monitor the examination. Officers have been granted special powers to conduct unannounced raids and searches at any centre. A total ban on mobile phones and smart devices has been implemented for all staff, including centre superintendents and invigilators. Violations will result in immediate suspension. In addition to district-level flying squads, ‘Static Squads’ will be stationed at selected centres to maintain a constant presence from the start to the conclusion of the exams. All question papers have been transported to police stations near examination centres under tight custody. They are kept in high-security sealed boxes, to be opened only inside exam halls in the presence of students. The Board’s ‘Conduct of Exam’ mobile app tracks each movement in real time, with alerts to headquarters in case of tampering. A mathematical 20-40-60 seating arrangement have been planned to ensure unpredictability in paper sets (A, B, C, D), giving each hall only the exact number of required papers.

 

Each district has a Rs 1 lakh contingency fund for last-minute furniture shortages. Desks and chairs can be moved from nearby schools not selected as exam centres. QR codes on admit cards allow instant verification of student identity. Students and parents have expressed both relief and concern. Riya Sharma (Name changed), a Class 12 student from Bhopal, said, “It’s reassuring to know that question papers are in police custody and will be opened only in the hall. But the sheer size of the exam and long hours still make it stressful.” Another student, added, “The random seating arrangement is a little confusing, but I understand it’s for fairness.” Parents have also weighed in. A mother of a Class 10 student, said, “The security measures are welcome, but it’s a tense time for students. We hope the arrangements are smooth and no last-minute confusion arises.” A father of a Class 12 candidate, said, “We have been told that QR verification and proper seating are in place. It gives us confidence, but students need mental preparation too.”