Drone surveillance at select SSLC exam centres in Karnataka

During the SSLC exams of the 2022-23 academic year, malpractices were reported, particularly in the north Karnataka region. Around 60 invigilators were suspended, and many students were debarred.

To avoid malpractices, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has decided conduct the class 10 final exams (SSLC) under drone surveillance in select centres.

During the SSLC exams of the academic year 2022-23, malpractices were reported, particularly in the north Karnataka region. The department suspended around 60 invigilators and debarred many students.

Karnataka has 3,305 centres for the 2023-24 exams — 1,845 cluster centres, 1,354 non-cluster centres and 106 centres for private candidates.

“In the cluster centres, students from many schools will be accommodated. The non-cluster centres are for students from three to four schools. Most of the non-cluster centres are located in the north Karnataka region, and in remote areas. Some anti-social elements and parents misused this opportunity, and were involved in malpractices in the SSLC exams. They throw chits through the window and dictate the answers from outside,” said a Block Education Officer (BEO) from north Karnataka region.

To avoid all these illegal activities, the department has decided use drone cameras in the SSLC exams in select non-cluster and sensitive centres in Karnataka. Offenders risk criminal charges.

The department has decided to introduce a model dress code, on the lines of the one followed in the NEET (entrance exam for medical courses), for the SSLC exams.

Officials said the present practice of wearing school uniforms had resulted in some students indulging in malpractices, such as hiding chits. According to the new dress code, students are to wear plainclothes, half-shirts, salwar suits for girls in the examination hall. Slippers will be mandatory foot wear. Wearing jewels and shoes will be restricted.