Question papers will be sent to all colleges in sets of 25, restricting number of students per class, irrespective of capacity; two bundles can be opened in one classroom only if it can seat exactly 50
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With just a day left for the start of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam, beginning on Wednesday, colleges are already facing a test of their own - confusion over seating arrangements.
As per the new rule of opening question paper bundles in front of students in classrooms to avoid any paper leak, these bundles will be sent in sets of 25 to all colleges. And due to this, every classroom can have only 25 students, even if its seating capacity is more than that. However, if a classroom can accommodate 50 candidates, two bundles can be opened there. According to colleges, this will mean more classrooms, which, in turn, will mean more supervisors; and all this while regular college exams are going on is going to be a difficult task.
'No middle ground'
After witnessing a spate of paper-leak incidents for two consecutive years during the HSC exam, Maharashtra state board took the decision of opening question paper bundles in classrooms in front of students, in a bid to avoid anyone getting a glimpse before they are taken to the exam hall.
"There is no middle ground here. If a class can seat 40, it is not allowed as per the new rule, because it will mean opening the bundles outside, risking secrecy. The state board has issued a blanket rule, and there has been no discussion on it yet to resolve some specific situations. Not all colleges can manage to keep so many classrooms and supervisors just for the HSC exam, when other exams are going on simultaneously," said principal of a college in Malad.
Principal of a Kandivli college said, "Junior colleges attached to degree colleges have a lot of classrooms to accommodate students. But those that are only junior colleges are going to find it very difficult due to less space. Already, state board allots each college way more students than it can accommodate."
Official speak
When contacted, S Y Chandekar, secretary of Mumbai Division of the state board, said, "We are holding a meeting on Tuesday to clear all doubts. The new rule has been brought in to avoid paper leaks; hence, it's very important for smooth conduction of the board exam."
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