Bhubaneswar: Students appearing for the Plus II examinations in Odisha will face stricter monitoring from the 2027 academic session, with the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) making CCTV surveillance mandatory across examination centres.
The move is aimed at ensuring fair examinations and curbing malpractices, while sending a strong message to potential cheaters that exam halls will now be under constant watch.
The directive is expected to significantly alter the examination environment, with every major examination-related activity coming under electronic surveillance. From the moment question papers are secured in strong rooms to the conduct of theory and practical examinations, institutions will be required to maintain round-the-clock monitoring through CCTV cameras.
Tougher Surveillance for Fairer Exams
Under the new guidelines, higher secondary schools must install CCTV cameras in examination halls, strong rooms, the offices of centre superintendents and laboratories. The cameras are expected to act as a deterrent against unfair means, impersonation, unauthorised assistance and other examination irregularities.
For students, the increased surveillance is likely to reinforce discipline and transparency during examinations. For those attempting to engage in malpractice, the risk of detection will rise considerably as activities inside examination centres will be recorded and monitored.
The CHSE has also directed institutions to make arrangements for live streaming of the annual Plus II examinations, adding another layer of oversight to the examination process.
CHSE Sets November Deadline
In a letter issued on Wednesday, CHSE Controller of Examinations Prasanta Kumar Parida directed principals of all higher secondary schools to complete the installation of CCTV systems by November 30.
Schools where CCTV systems are already operational have been asked to inspect and verify their functionality as part of their examination preparedness measures.
The directive is particularly significant for institutions that have applied for recognition as new examination centres. Such schools must ensure that CCTV cameras are installed in examination halls and the room of the centre superintendent before the deadline.
Non-Compliance May Cost Schools Exam Centre Status
The CHSE has made it clear that failure to comply with the directives could attract stringent consequences.
“Failure of any higher secondary schools to install the CCTV system and comply with all other requirements by November 30, 2026, may compel the CHSE to cancel the examination centre (both theory and practical) and report to the government for taking appropriate action against the defaulting institutions,” the letter stated.
The warning indicates that the council views surveillance infrastructure as an essential requirement rather than an optional measure.
The initiative marks one of the most comprehensive examination monitoring measures introduced by CHSE, with authorities hoping it will strengthen credibility, transparency and fairness in Odisha’s Plus II examinations.