HSC exams in city off to a smooth start : Board

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) said that the class XII (Higher Secondary Certificate) examination's first paper on languages was off to a smooth start in the city. 

Over 1.25 lakh students are appearing for the language papers in the city today. On day one, 12 subjects were scheduled - nine in the first half and three in the second half. 

Board officials said there were no complaints about the first examination that started at 11 am. "Around 1 lakh students are appearing for the Marathi paper. According to the reports I have received from various centres in the city, the exam has started without any problems," said Laxmikant Pandey, chairperson of the baord's Mumbai division.  

The board's helpline meanwhile was flooded with last minute doubts from students. "We have not received any complaints on our helpline so far. The phone calls in the morning were related to last minute preparation, provision for grace marks and how to optimise your score," said a counsellor from the board's helpline.  

The 34 flying squads which are keeping an eye on the malpractices at various centres will provide the board with constant updates and a report for the same will be available later in the evening.

In numbers for Mumbai division (box)
Fresh Candidates: 2,86,876 Repeaters: 41,821
Private: Fresh: 20,743 Repeaters: 3,690

Centres: 212
Sub-centres: 375
Supervisors: 13,039

Flying squads -34