The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated all schools to install CCTV cameras in exam halls for the upcoming class 10 and 12 board exams in 2025. This rule applies to all the schools that are affiliated with the CBSE.
The letter sent to head teachers and principals of schools states that the class 10 and 12 board exams will be given in rooms with CCTV.
"The Board has decided that all the schools that would be fixed as examination centers must have the facility of closed-circuit television (CCTV). If any school does not have a CCTV facility, the school will not be considered for fixing the examination centre," read the notice addressing the school principals.
"To ensure that examinations are conducted smoothly and fairly, a CCTV Policy has been developed by the CBSE which is enclosed herewith. All the schools are directed to ensure that they have CCTV installed in their schools as per the policy if they do not have and wish to convey their consent to the Board for fixing their school as an examination centre," it added.
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Why The CCTV Rule?
The CBSE has anticipated that around 44 lakh students will appear for the Class 10 and 12 examinations this year.
The new policy aims to ensure the integrity of the examination and also maintain fairness of the process by providing clear guidelines for CCTV usage in all examination centres, according to the official notice.
The CCTVs have been mandated in order to meet the below objectives:
Deterrence: To discourage students from engaging in unfair practices.
Detection: To provide real-time and recorded monitoring of examination activities to identify and address potential misconduct.
Support: To assist examination invigilators by providing additional oversight and evidence in case of disputes or irregularities.
Transparency: To ensure a fair and transparent examination process by documenting procedures and outcomes.
Official Notice | CBSE
Who Will Overlook The Arrangements?
The board has also curated a policy that outlines the rules and regulations for the execution of this mandate.
Examination centres are responsible for installing and maintaining CCTV systems. It is also important to note that the invigilators have to know how to operate the cameras and report any problems, while institutional authorities will oversee implementation and address any issues.
Only authorised personnel will be allowed to access the CCTV footage to maintain security. The schools need to note that the CCTV must cover all areas of the exam hall. They must also ensure that the students and materials are visible in the video.
The policy also requires training for exam staff on CCTV use and privacy. The schools also need to inform the students and parents about the surveillance purpose. Regular audits will assess the effectiveness of the systems, with feedback for ongoing improvement.
To ensure fair exams, the CBSE has a CCTV policy. Schools without CCTV need to install it to be considered for exam centres. Notices about this policy will be displayed at the centres.
School Principals Opine
Many school principals agree to the fact that CCTV cameras help conduct a smooth exam.
"CBSE exams are already conducted in a strict manner, with police often deployed at centres. During exams, CCTVs are not only important to curb cheating but also help us monitor the entire school and provide emergency assistance if needed. They also help school staff run things smoothly," underlined Sunaya Awasthi, Principal of Orchids The International School, Mulund.
"It's clear that CCTVs are needed not just during exams but all the time. They improve security and ensure schools are safe. I think it's a good rule that schools must have surveillance to be valid exam centers," said Madhu Wadke, Principal of Gopi Birla Memorial School, Malabar Hills.
Highlight cheating as a major challenge during exams, especially in rural areas, Shashikala, Principal of Narayana ETechno School, Thane, stated, "Majority of CBSE schools already have the CCTV facilities; it becomes a challenge for the schools in rural areas due to an array of different reasons. It is important for them to install CCTVs."
She further added, "Installing CCTVs is a simple process, and the board has given this notice well in advance for the schools to install surveillance."
CCTV Camera Requirements
The cameras installed by the schools must have at least 1080p resolution in order to capture clear videos. Higher-resolution cameras (4K) can provide even greater detail.
Below is a camera guide for the schools:
Fixed Cameras: For general coverage of examination halls.
PTZ Cameras: Pan-tilt-zoom cameras are to be installed by the schools in areas that require adjustable focus and movement, allowing for dynamic monitoring of specific areas or students.
Wide-Angle Lenses: These cameras are to be installed by the school to cover larger areas and ensure that all desks and seating arrangements are in view.
Low-Light Cameras: Schools must install these cameras in places with poor lighting.
Monitoring Equipment Monitors: High-resolution monitors for live viewing of camera feeds and reviewing recorded footage. Multiple monitors may be necessary if supervising multiple areas.
Enforcement, Review, & Remuneration Compliance
It is mandatory to have CCTV working during the entire period of conduct of examinations and it is safely maintained during the period of retention. Non-compliance with the directions will result in action as per the Affiliation and Examination Bye-Laws of the Board.
Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed every year by the board in order to keep it effective. Any changes made to the policy will be shared with everyone involved.
Remuneration: Invigilators appointed under this policy will be paid the same as other invigilators.
Equipment Requirements: To successfully set up a CCTV system in schools to prevent cheating during exams, several important pieces of equipment and infrastructure are needed.
