Maharashtra cancels 107 exam centers over cheating fears, citing drone evidence, and enacts strict anti-cheating measures ahead of 2026 board exams.

Maharashtra has derecognized 107 exam centers—31 for Class 10 and 76 for Class 12—over cheating concerns ahead of the February-March 2026 board exams, following a drone-verified incident in Beed where widespread copying was captured. The state is enforcing mandatory CCTV cameras, deploying drones and special squads, and forming vigilance committees led by District Collectors to prevent malpractice. Strict legal action, including non-bailable charges under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, will be taken against those involved. A separate initiative will introduce QR codes on textbooks from the next academic year to combat counterfeit copies, following the seizure of over 20,000 fake books in December 2025.