The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) confirmed no re-examination will occur for the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry 2026 paper. Two individuals were arrested in Nagar for allegedly circulating the question paper before the exam.
Nagpur police reported one suspect operates a small tuition center. The other suspect was part of a WhatsApp group used to distribute the paper. The incident surfaced at an HSC exam center when invigilators became suspicious of a female student’s repeated visits to the restroom.
Upon searching the student, invigilators confiscated her mobile phone. Mobile phones are prohibited inside exam halls. The MSBSHSE began the Class 12 board exams on February 10. Over 15 lakh students are taking the exams, which conclude on March 11.
Suspected Chemistry Paper Leak
Officials stated the chemistry question paper circulated in a WhatsApp group before the exam’s start. Potential answers were also shared within the same group. The student received the message during initial checks but did not open it. Authorities confirmed she gained no advantage from the phone in the exam hall.
Investigators questioned another student from the same WhatsApp group. Her phone, found in her bag, confirmed her membership. Police then assumed control of the investigation. The chemistry paper was reportedly received in the WhatsApp group between 10:37 am and 10:40 am.
The exam commenced shortly after the paper’s circulation. Investigators also found evidence of the physics paper being shared in the same group on February 16. This occurred around 10:30 am. Approximately 12 students were reportedly members of the group.
The MSBSHSE chairperson confirmed an First Information Report (FIR) has been filed. Police are conducting an investigation. Disciplinary actions will follow based on the probe’s findings. The student is allowed to complete her remaining exams. A decision on disciplinary measures against her is pending.
In a separate incident, five teachers were recently suspended. They allegedly facilitated widespread cheating on the first day of the Maharashtra Board Class 12 HSC exam 2026. Drone surveillance captured supervisors in 16 halls. These supervisors reportedly aided students in copying instead of preventing it.