From Drones To De-Recognitions: Maharashtra’s 'Copy-Mukt Abhiyan' Curbs Exam Cheating

In what appears to be a significant turning point for Maharashtra’s school examination system, the number of reported cheating cases during the 2025 board exams has dropped noticeably—a development officials attribute to the state’s intensified efforts under the ‘Copy-Mukt Abhiyan’.

Launched to instill transparency and discipline in the conduct of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, the campaign combined a series of stringent administrative, legal, and technological measures. “This year, 367 cheating cases were reported—down from 452 last year—signalling a steady and encouraging decline,” Sharad Gosavi, Director of School Education, informed The Free Press Journal.

Gosavi credited the focused implementation of anti-malpractice initiatives for the decline. “This reduction is a direct result of strict enforcement and systemic reforms. The state has made it clear that examination malpractice will not be tolerated at any level,” he said.

Gosavi stated that several preventive measures were taken, including surprise inspections, mobile flying squads, and changes in supervisory personnel at 818 out of 3,373 exam centers. The change in personnel, he said, was due to the history of those centres. “We collated data from 2018 on schools where cheating cases had happened and changed each and every staff member—including the principals and examination supervisors—of those schools, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance stance” he said.

Among other prominent steps taken was the introduction of drone surveillance at sensitive examination centres—marking the first time such technology was used for this purpose in the state. The drones served as both a deterrent and a tool for real-time monitoring during exams.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) also announced that any examination centre found involved in cheating would lose its recognition permanently. “The Board has de-recognised 124 centres this year, out of a total of 3,373 across the state, following confirmed instances of cheating,” Gosavi informed.

The crackdown extended beyond surveillance and derecognition. In parallel, authorities rigorously applied the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, under which those aiding in cheating face cognisable and non-bailable charges. This legal backing strengthened the government’s ability to act swiftly and decisively against offenders.

To further safeguard the examination environment, all photocopy shops within a 500-metre radius of centres were closed during the exam period. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was enforced in the surrounding areas to prevent unlawful assembly and reduce external interference.

These actions were undertaken as part of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ 100-day action plan, which prioritised the creation of a “copy-free, fear-free, and disciplined” environment for Class 10 and Class 12 students.

While challenges persist in curbing malpractice across such a vast examination network, this year’s data suggests the tide may be turning. According to Gosavi, the cheating cases for Class 10 examinations have dropped more significantly. “For the (SSC) exams, there is a sharper decline and numbers tell their own story. We will share the details once the results are out,” he said.

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