The Maharashtra State Board has clarified that there was no official leak of the HSC Chemistry question paper, even as police arrested two individuals for allegedly circulating questions on WhatsApp ahead of the examination. Officials told media that no re-examination will be conducted.
The issue came to light on February 18 at St Ursula Girls High School in Nagpur after invigilators became suspicious of a student who took an unusually long washroom break. Upon checking, authorities recovered a smartphone from the student. Police sources said a WhatsApp group on the device contained questions resembling those in the Chemistry paper scheduled later that day.
During preliminary questioning, the student reportedly broke down, prompting officials to proceed with caution. A team from Sadar police station reached the examination centre and initiated a detailed investigation.
Further inquiry revealed that the same WhatsApp group had also shared questions similar to those from the Physics exam held on February 16. According to investigators, the messages were circulated around 10:35 am — approximately 25 minutes before the exam began at 11 am.
Tracing the digital trail, police identified a tuition teacher operating in the Mankapur area as a suspected source. Authorities believe the material may have been accessed through an individual with possible links to the board. Two persons have been arrested so far, while the teacher remains under scrutiny.
“A case has been registered, and technical analysis of the WhatsApp accounts is underway. We are examining whether the content was accessed and circulated for monetary gain,” a senior police officer told TNN.
Nagpur divisional board chairman Shivling Patve confirmed that an internal inquiry has been initiated. However, he maintained that the alleged circulation of similar questions online did not compromise the integrity of the examination process, and therefore no re-test would be required.
Police are questioning members of the WhatsApp group and have not ruled out the possibility of a broader network.
Similar incidents have surfaced in the past. In 2023, Buldhana police arrested a college principal and staff members for allegedly opening and selling copies of the HSC Mathematics paper. Earlier cases involving the early circulation of SSC and HSC papers have also been reported from different parts of the state.
Authorities have assured strict action if organised malpractice is established and have urged students and parents not to panic over rumours.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com