Patna: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has announced strict guidelines for the Class 10 matriculation examinations beginning on February 17, warning that candidates arriving late will not be allowed entry under any circumstances. Officials said examination centre gates will close 30 minutes before the exam begins, and attempts to forcibly enter may lead to disqualification for up to two years and criminal charges.
Anand Kishor, chairman of the BSEB, said the measures were part of a broader effort to enforce the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against malpractice. Students will be allowed to enter examination centres up to one hour before the exam, but authorities have made clear that late arrivals will be denied entry. Legal and disciplinary action will also be taken against centre officials if they permit unauthorised candidates to sit the examination.
More than 1.51 million students are expected to take part in the matric examinations, which will run until February 25 in two daily shifts. The exams will be conducted at 1,699 centres across Bihar, including 70 centres in Patna district alone, where more than 71,000 students are registered. Officials said the scale of the operation required extensive coordination between district administrations, police and education authorities.
The board has introduced several procedural changes aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. Candidates have been assigned unique identification numbers printed on their admit cards, and will receive pre-printed OMR sheets and answer booklets featuring their photographs and personal details. Question papers will also be issued in 10 different sets for each subject to reduce the risk of cheating.
Security measures have been strengthened significantly, including two-level frisking and a complete ban on electronic devices such as mobile phones, Bluetooth gadgets and smartwatches. All centres will be monitored through CCTV cameras and videography, while control rooms and dedicated communication channels have been established to respond quickly to any incidents.
Special arrangements have also been made for differently-abled students, who will receive scribes and additional time. Meanwhile, the board has set up 152 model examination centres staffed entirely by women and reserved for female candidates, in an effort to provide a safer and more supportive environment.
Officials said the measures reflect the board’s commitment to conducting fair, secure and transparent examinations, amid continued efforts to strengthen the credibility of Bihar’s school assessment system.
