Maharashtra HSC Chemistry Paper Shared on WhatsApp; Board Clarifies No Leak, No Re-Exam

After the spread of this news, two individuals are already arrested in the state of Nagpur after the paper circulation, the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry question paper was circulated in a WhatsApp group just before the examination started. Although the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has given statement stating that this incident does not qualify as a paper leak and no re examination will be taken as this was no a paper leak as per the criteria. 

Most individuals got to know about this incident on February 18 in the area of Mankapur which is situated in Nagpur. During the continued on going examination of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) board. The exam of chemistry was planned to take place in the morning 11:00 AM. 

How the Incident Came to Light

This incident was caught by the college invigilator at St. Ursula’s College. The invigilator grew suspicious when one student spent almost 20 minutes in the washroom, making it look suspicious during the Chemistry examination. After checking, the student was caught having a restricted item, which was a mobile device. As per the instructions of exam centre, carrying a mobile device is not allowed. After reviewing the mobile device, it was found that the student was analyzing the chemistry question paper, which had been shared in a WhatsApp group between the time of 10:37 AM and 10:40 AM, which means just before the beginning of the examination. 

Additionally, the authorities also shared that the physics question paper that took place on February 16, 2026, had also been shared in the same group, earlier in the same pattern, just before the start of the examination. 

Accused Arrested, Investigation Underway

Police officials confirmed that:

• One accused is linked to a small tuition centre.
• The second accused was a member of the WhatsApp group where the paper was circulated.
• Around 12 students were reportedly part of the group.

The identity of the accused is still not out yet as the officials stated that the identities of the accused cannot be disclosed at this stage as the investigations is still on going to find out the main source of the circulation. Moreover the students have not been questioned so far formally, as the board exams are still underway. 

Student Did Not Gain Any Advantage

Authorities shared one point of view from their side stating that even though student received one message notification, she did not open the message or was unable to access the phone during the time of the examination. Concluding the point she was not able or she did not gain any advantage from the circulated question paper at that time also one more student from the same group was questioned, and her phone revealed the traces of her membership in the group. This led to the further investigation by the police. 

Board Clarifies: No Re-Examination

This was not a wide spread paper leak as only few members were part of that group and the Maharashtra Board has clearly stated that the HSC examinations will continue as per schedule. 

Therefore:

• No re-exam will be conducted.
• The examination process will continue without disruption.
• Strict action will be taken against those involved.

The most important advisory for the students is check and follow the exam centre guidelines and strictly follow and adhere good examination practices and avoid engaging in any unauthorized activities during the board examination.