Odisha Matric Exams Kick Off with Over 5.6 Lakh Candidates
The Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, commenced the Class 10 final examinations on Thursday, marking the beginning of a crucial academic period for more than 5.61 lakh students across the state. These candidates are appearing for the High School Certificate (HSC), Madhyama, and Open School Certificate examinations, which are scheduled to continue until March 2.
The examinations are being conducted in a single morning shift from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. On the opening day, students took their Modern Indian Language (Odia) paper. The state has established 3,082 examination centres to accommodate the large number of test-takers, with comprehensive security arrangements in place at every location.
Strict Entry Guidelines for Examinees
Authorities have implemented clear regulations regarding what students may carry into examination halls. Candidates are permitted to bring only their admit cards, pens, pencils, and geometry boxes. Any other personal items are strictly prohibited. In a parallel measure, invigilators and teachers assigned to examination duties have been barred from using mobile phones during the examination period, ensuring complete focus on maintaining exam integrity.
Multi-Layered Anti-Cheating Measures
To uphold the sanctity of the examinations, the board has deployed a comprehensive three-tier squad system specifically designed to prevent malpractice. Special vigilance teams have been positioned to conduct surprise inspections at various centres throughout the examination period. Additionally, a sophisticated central monitoring system is operational at the BSE headquarters in Cuttack, where AI-enabled CCTV cameras provide real-time surveillance of examination halls.
As an extra layer of protection, question papers have been enhanced with QR codes and watermarks. These security features make it significantly easier to trace the origin of any leaked or fraudulent papers, adding a robust deterrent against potential misconduct.
Chief Minister Extends Best Wishes to Students
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his heartfelt wishes to all examinees on this important occasion. In his message, he emphasised that these examinations represent more than just an academic assessment—they serve as a test of patience, perseverance, and self-belief. He encouraged students to approach their papers with a positive mindset and a calm demeanour, reminding them that success comes to those who remain composed under pressure.
The board has urged all students to adhere strictly to the guidelines and arrive at their designated centres well ahead of time. With the robust security framework and administrative preparations now in place, the stage is set for a smooth and fair conduct of the examinations over the coming days.
