The annual Matric Examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha commenced across the state on Thursday, with 5,61,979 students appearing at 3,082 examination centres amid tight security and enhanced monitoring arrangements. The examination began at 9:00 am with authorities implementing multiple layers of supervision and technology-driven safeguards to ensure a fair and smooth conduct.
Extensive Preparations and Real-Time Monitoring
Officials from the School and Mass Education Department and the Board confirmed that elaborate logistical preparations were completed well in advance. Question papers were dispatched from designated nodal centres under secure protocols and delivered to exam centres on schedule. As per norms, sealed question paper packets are being opened inside examination halls in the presence of the centre superintendent and students to maintain transparency.
The exam timing has been fixed from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Personnel engaged in examination duties — including invigilators and supervisory staff — have been strictly prohibited from carrying or using mobile phones inside centres. To further curb malpractice, a three-tier flying squad system and special vigilance teams have been deployed to conduct surprise inspections across districts.
In a major security upgrade, QR codes and digital watermarking have been embedded in question papers to prevent leaks and enable traceability. Centre superintendents have also been instructed to submit mandatory daily reports to the Board after each exam session.
AI Surveillance from Central Command Centre
A 24×7 command and control room has been set up at the Board headquarters in Cuttack, enabling centralised oversight of examination activities statewide. AI-enabled CCTV cameras are being used to monitor nodal hubs and exam centres, covering the full chain of custody — from opening of question paper packets to in-hall candidate movement — adding another layer of accountability.
Students Reach Early; Strict Entry Protocols Followed
On the opening day, candidates appeared for the MIL (Odia) paper. Entry gates at centres were opened at 7:30 am, and students were allowed inside after detailed verification and frisking. Many candidates were seen arriving well before reporting time to avoid last-minute rush.
In several locations, a supportive atmosphere was observed outside centres, with teachers and guardians encouraging students. Some educators offered prasad and applied tilak to candidates as a gesture of motivation and good wishes before the exam.
The Matric Examination will continue till March 2, with authorities maintaining that all arrangements are in place to ensure orderly, transparent, and malpractice-free conduct throughout the schedule.
