Tenth Exam Paper Leak Sparks Uproar

Despite clear guidelines banning mobile phones inside examination centres, violations continue to surface in Telangana. In a recent incident in Nizamabad district, Class 10 second language question papers (Hindi, Telugu, and others) were leaked from three centres even before the exam concluded. Teachers allegedly used WhatsApp to circulate the papers, exploiting the lack of strict checks at entry points. Though rules mandate that even Chief Superintendents must not carry phones, some staff reportedly bypassed the system. The Education Department has taken serious note of the incident and scheduled video conferences with District Education Officers to review protocols and tighten monitoring.

Although QR codes have been printed on question papers for the past two years to trace leaks, the accused showed little fear and continued malpractice. Authorities suspended nine staff members, including two gazetted headmasters, for their involvement. Similar leaks were reported earlier in 2023 in Vikarabad and Bhupalpally districts. Officials are now considering stricter punishments, including permanent dismissal for those involved in exam malpractice. Additional measures such as CCTV surveillance, stricter frisking, and enforcing “zero mobile zones” at centres are also being planned. SSC Board Director PV Srihari has instructed all staff to declare daily that they are not carrying mobile phones.