Central Board of Secondary Education Issues Strict Warning on Question Paper Security and Extra Fee Collection
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a strong directive reinforcing examination integrity and financial transparency for the upcoming board examinations. In an official notice dated March 31, the board emphasised that question papers must remain strictly confidential until the conclusion of each examination, warning that any breach will be treated as a serious violation.
According to CBSE, schools, teachers, and examination staff are required to follow stringent protocols to ensure the secrecy of question papers. The board has clearly stated that no individual is allowed to share, display, or retain copies of the question papers before the exam officially ends. Once the examination begins, any unused question papers must be securely packed and stored, and strict records must be maintained to ensure that the number of used and unused papers matches the total quantity received.
In a significant move to prevent misuse, CBSE has also directed that subject teachers must not be given access to question papers for review purposes. Additionally, schools have been instructed not to retain copies of question papers for library or internal use, as all papers will be made publicly available by the board after the completion of examinations. These measures are aimed at eliminating any possibility of paper leaks or unfair practices.
Alongside examination security, CBSE has also issued a strict warning regarding the collection of fees during the List of Candidates (LOC) submission process for the Second Board Examination. The board has clarified that schools must not demand advance tuition fees, such as three months’ fees, at the time of LOC submission, as this practice violates CBSE guidelines.
The LOC submission process has been divided into three phases. During Phase 1, only student details are submitted and no fee is required. In Phases 2 and 3, students are allowed to confirm or modify their subjects and pay only the official examination fee through their respective schools. CBSE has reiterated that schools are permitted to collect only the prescribed exam fee mentioned in the official LOC notification.
Furthermore, CBSE stated that if a student chooses not to appear for the Second Board Examination after completing the LOC process and paying the fee, their original board exam result will be considered final. This clarification aims to ensure transparency and avoid confusion among students and parents.
The board has warned that any violation of these rules, whether related to question paper security or unauthorised fee collection, will invite strict disciplinary action. Through these measures, CBSE seeks to uphold fairness, accountability, and trust in the examination system.
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