Argus News - Odisha Tightens Security for Higher Secondary Board Exams

Bhubaneswar, Feb 8: The Odisha government has rolled out a comprehensive plan to ensure the fair and secure conduct of the Annual Higher Secondary Examination 2026. The exam will see over 4 lakh students appearing across the state.

The exams are scheduled to commence on February 18 and will conclude March 28. The tests will be held in 23 sittings across 1,357 examination centres under 211 Exam Management Hubs (EMH).

Official data suggests that a total of 4,01,623 students from 1,909 higher secondary schools will sit for the examinations. In a bid to maintain transparency and discipline, the state administration has directed district collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) to coordinate closely with EMHs and examination centres.

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Security & Monitoring Measures

The district and police administrations have been tasked with ensuring the safety of EMHs and exam centres. Police personnel will be deployed at all centres, while secure transportation of question paper packets and answer booklets between EMHs and centres will be carried out under police escort. Representatives will also be appointed for monitoring and supervision to prevent malpractice.

Guidelines for Exam Centres

Authorities have issued clear instructions to prevent disruptions. Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside exam centres. All officials, invigilators, and squad members must deposit their phones with the centre superintendent or keep them in their vehicles before entering. Detailed records of deposited phones will be maintained.

Students will undergo two-stage checks before entering the exam hall. The first stage involves body frisking to prevent entry of unauthorized materials, while the second stage ensures identity verification. Female candidates will be frisked only by female staff, with privacy arrangements made where necessary.

Candidates will be allowed into exam halls 30 minutes before the start and must be seated at least 15 minutes prior. No outsider unrelated to exam duties will be permitted entry. Question papers will be opened at 9:30 AM in the presence of centre officials, EMH observers, and district representatives, while unused papers will be sealed and collected by 10:30 AM.