Zoom and Google Meet to be used to monitor select board exam centers in the state

2 minutes of readingPuneUpdated: February 9, 2026 09:35 pm IST

Video conferencing apps Zoom and Google Meet will be used for invigilation at select HSC board examination centers in Maharashtra, said Nandkumar Bedse, acting president of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). These video links give district officials live access to footage, unlike local CCTV.

If the District Vigilance Committee deems it necessary, such video conferencing can be used to monitor any examination center under its jurisdiction. This technology was used in Dhule district last year, which has encouraged more districts to follow suit this year, Bedse said. This time, the entire Sangli district and parts of Hingoli, Beed and South Bombay Districts will make use of these video calls.

Of the total 3,387 centres, 172 in the state do not have CCTV cameras. The staff of these centers have already been transferred. When he asked it indian express Why this was kept as an option and not made mandatory in centers where CCTV was not available, Bedse said: “The situation is that if Google Meet must be used, then we have to allow examiners to carry mobile phones. Our rule is that mobile phones are not allowed. But if the committee decides that it is necessary in their area, then it can be done. Otherwise, it is generally not allowed.”

“It has a deterrent effect to ensure that no strangers come in. Otherwise, people climb through the windows to help students cheat. We also receive such photographs. We have made it clear to the education officials that if we get such photographs action will be taken against the officials.”

Furthermore, under the state government’s anti-copying initiative, 248 centers have also been declared as sensitive centers with a history of malpractices. Additionally, 271 flying squadrons have been designated across the state.

Soham Shah is a correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Pune. A journalism graduate with experience in fact-checking, he brings a meticulous, research-oriented approach to his current reporting. Professional Experience Role: Correspondent covering education and urban affairs in Pune. Specialization: Its main objective is education, but it also maintains a strong focus on civic issues, public health, human rights and state policy. Key Strength: Soham focuses on data-driven reporting on school and college education, government reporting, and public infrastructure. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Their late 2025 work highlights a transition from education-focused reporting to hard-hitting investigative and human rights stories: 1. Investigations and Governance “Express Impact: Mother’s name now a must for downloading birth certificate from PMC site” (December 20, 2025) – Reports on a significant policy change by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) following its reports previous statements on the inclusion of gender in administrative documents. “44-acre Mahar land controversy: In June, a Pune official sought land eviction at the firm behest of Pawar’s son” (November 9, 2025) – An investigative article on real estate irregularities involving high-profile political families. 2. Education and University Life Faculty crisis at SPPU affects research and administrative work: 62% of government approved posts are vacant, more than 75% in many departments (September 12, 2025) – A research paper on faculty vacancies at Savitribai Phule Pune University. “Maharashtra’s controversial third language policy: Why the National Curriculum Framework recommends a Class 6 third language” (July 2) – This in-depth article discusses the reasons behind why the state’s decision to introduce a Class 1 third language was controversial. “Decline in number of schools and teachers in Maharashtra but increase in student enrollment: Report” (January 2025): Analysis of discrepancies in state’s education data despite increase in the number of students. 3. Human Rights and Social Issues “Aanchal Mamidawar Was Brave After Her Family Killed Her Boyfriend” (December 17, 2025) – A deeply personal and hard-hitting article/opinion column on the “crime of love” and honor killings in modern India. “‘People don’t respect the disabled’: Meet the man who has become the face of racist attacks against Indians” (November 29, 2025) – Profile of a Pune resident with severe physical deformities who became the target of global online bullying, highlighting issues of disability and cyberbullying. Distinctive style Soham is known for his vision of civil liberties. His reporting frequently champions the rights of the marginalized, whether students fighting for university democracy, victims of regressive social practices, or residents fighting crumbling urban infrastructure (as seen in his contributions to “Breathless Pune”). He is adept at linking Pune’s hyperlocal issues to broader national conversations about law and freedom. X (Twitter): @SohamShah07 …Read more

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