From Bhopal to Indore, robust anti-cheating tech and fake paper gang crackdowns ensure fair play in MPBSE board exams.
Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) Class 12 board exams commenced today, February 10, 2026, marking the start of a crucial testing phase for over 16 lakh students across the state. With Class 10 exams set to follow from February 13, authorities have rolled out unprecedented security measures to ensure a fair and transparent process, while issuing stern alerts on fraudsters peddling bogus question papers.
Exam Schedule and Student Scale
The MP Board Class 12 exams run from February 10 to March 7, 2026, kicking off with subjects like Hindi, while Class 10 papers will span February 13 to March 6. Theory exams are held daily from 9 AM to 12 PM, with students required to arrive by 8 AM and entry closing 15 minutes prior. Practical exams for both classes are scheduled between February 10 and March 10 in schools.
Around 16 lakh students—roughly 8-9 lakh for Class 10 and 6-7 lakh for Class 12—are appearing at over 3,800 centres statewide, including 138 in Indore and 104 in Bhopal alone. This massive scale underscores MPBSE’s role in shaping futures for Madhya Pradesh’s youth, from bustling Bhopal to rural heartlands.
Last year’s stats show the stakes: Over 15 lakh appeared, with Class 10 pass rate at 76.22% and Class 12 at 74.48%, fuelling hopes for even better outcomes this year.
Robust Security Blanket Deployed
Tight security defines this year’s MP Board exams 2026, with comprehensive digital surveillance from question paper dispatch to evaluation. A dedicated mobile app tracks sealed bundles from police stations to centres, ensuring no tampering.
CCTV cameras cover 226 sensitive centres, including 53 in Bhopal’s private schools, with live feeds monitored at district, divisional, and collectorate levels. About 700 high-risk spots feature mobile jammers to block electronic cheating, while flying squads patrol for surprise checks.
A total mobile phone ban applies to everyone—students, invigilators, superintendents—enforced via metal deposit boxes and alternatives like landlines and online portals. Violations could lead to 10-year jail terms under proposed amendments to the MP Recognized Examinations Act. In Gwalior, 26,744 Class 12 students wrote the first paper under vigilant eyes at 84 centres.
Districts like Bhopal have block- and district-level inspection teams, with dedicated CCTV operators in exam rooms. “Honesty boxes” at gates promote trust, but backed by real-time monitoring. These steps aim for leak-proof, malpractice-free exams.
Cracking Down on Fake Paper Leak Gangs
Amid the buzz, MP police and cyber cells have ramped up warnings against scam gangs targeting anxious students via Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Fraudsters peddle “leaked” papers in groups like “MP Board Exam Support” or “10-12वीं पेपर,” often with fake PDFs or malicious APKs like “pepar.apk” that hack phones and drain bank accounts.
Cyber advisories stress: No real leaks exist; genuine papers reach centres only officially. Joining such groups or buying “papers” is criminal, with arrests promised for admins and members. Parents must watch for emotional ploys like “limited time” or “guaranteed marks.”
Bhopal cyber police flagged Telegram channels last year, leading to busts; this year, surveillance starts early. Students are urged to report suspicious links to helplines and stick to school prep.
What This Means for Students and Parents
For Madhya Pradesh’s 16 lakh+ students, these exams are a gateway to colleges, jobs, and dreams—be it engineering in Indore or medicine in Jabalpur. Amid alerts, the focus is preparation: Revise syllabi, check timetables on mpbse.nic.in, and carry admit cards.
Parents, stay calm—report scams immediately. Authorities assure: Security is watertight, from CCTV to jammers. Past pass rates inspire confidence, with girls often outperforming boys.
Board’s Tech-Driven Push for Fair Play
MPBSE’s innovations shine: End-to-end digital tracking via app, central control rooms for CCTV, and portal-based reporting replace old offline methods. Sensitive centres (488 statewide) get extra scrutiny, ensuring rural-urban parity.
This builds on 2025’s success, where over 15 lakh cleared hurdles despite challenges. With 2026 revisions—like Hindi shifted to March—clarity reigns.
Voices from the Ground
In Bhopal, DEO NK Ahirwar confirmed: “All 104 centres ready, CCTV in classrooms, teams vigilant.” Gwalior saw smooth starts; Indore’s 138 centres buzz with jammers active. Students shared relief: “Security makes us focus better,” said one Class 12 aspirant.
Cyber ACP Shailendra Singh Chauhan warned: “Fraudsters lure with fakes—don’t fall prey.” MPBSE Chief Systems Officer Bhupendra Gupta added: “Tech ensures transparency.”
Path Ahead: Results and Beyond
Exams wrap by early March; results expected May 2026. Supplementary chances follow for needy. MPBSE’s resolve against leaks protects merit, honouring hardworking students.
