Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur

Nagpur, Feb 21: Amid the ongoing Maharashtra Board examinations 2026, a paper leak incident has been reported from an exam centre in Nagpur, where the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Chemistry question paper was allegedly circulated on WhatsApp nearly an hour before the examination.

The Class 12 Chemistry exam under the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education was conducted on February 18. The leak reportedly occurred at St Ursula Girls’ High School and Junior College in Nagpur, where a student was caught using WhatsApp on her smartphone during the examination.

Police have launched an investigation into the matter and reportedly identified a teacher from a private tuition centre as the alleged mastermind behind the leak. Around 13 students are said to have been involved in solving the circulated paper.

Investigators also found that the HSC Physics paper held on February 16 was similarly circulated on WhatsApp prior to the exam.

The Maharashtra HSC examinations are being conducted from February 10 to March 11, while the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or Class 10 exams are scheduled from February 20 to March 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, authorities have reiterated key guidelines for students appearing for the exams. Candidates must carry their admit cards to the examination centre, failing which they will not be permitted to write the exam. They are also advised to bring a valid government-issued photo identity card such as PAN card or voter ID for verification.

Electronic gadgets including smartphones, Bluetooth devices, earphones and pagers are strictly prohibited inside the examination centres. No storage facility will be provided for such items, and candidates bringing them will have to keep them outside the venue at their own risk.

Students have been advised to visit the official website of the Maharashtra State Board for further updates and detailed instructions regarding the HSC and SSC examinations.