Parliament Question: Mechanism to Monitor Fake Question Papers Leak

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3855 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026 Mechanism to Monitor Fake Question Papers Leak †3855. Shri Imran Masood: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has put in place a comprehensive mechanism to monitor question paper security, fake leak rumours and unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media in the wake of Class ten and Class twelve Board Examinations, 2026; (b) if so, the number of such cases wherein formal action has been taken against attempts to leak fake papers; (c) whether the Government has provided official information and complaint mechanism to students, parents and educational institutions for the said examinations and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government can ensure that more stringent regulatory measures would be taken in future to maintain the integrity of the Board examinations; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY) (a) to (e): Education is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. States/UTs have recognised Education Boards and these boards operate within the legal framework of each State where its affiliated schools function, maintaining compliance with local education laws and regulations while providing standardised examination services. Also, the preparation and implementation of laws related to State Boards, Private Broads etc. lie within the jurisdiction of the respective State Governments/Education Department. As far as Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is concerned, CBSE has established a multi-layered security mechanism to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and safe handling of question papers at every stage, from development to distribution. The major safeguards in place are as follows: i. Standard Operating Procedures have been developed for each step from development to distribution. ii. Each Question Paper is embedded with many security features. iii. Special packing iv. Secured transportation.v. Secured storage vi. Monitoring of material using technology. About 20 instances of misinformation and attempts to circulate rumours were reported during the examination period. Concerned media platforms were requested to remove such videos, and were promptly removed. Further, an Advisory on circulation of fake information and rumours ahead of CBSE Board Examinations 2026 hasbeen issued for parents, students, schools and all other stakeholders to remain vigilant and not to be misled by unverified news/rumours or fake news. CBSE proactively meets with Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT- In) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) along with representatives of major social media platforms to deliberate on mechanisms to identify and curb the spread of fake news related to examinations. The Board has a dedicated team monitoring any such misleading and fake content, taking up the issue with social media handles, getting such content removed and directly communicating with stakeholders through Circulars and media briefings whenever essential. CBSE undertakes appropriate action against defaulting individualsto maintain the integrity of Board examinations as and when essential. As regards National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), NIOS Public Examinations are scheduled to begin from the 2nd week of April 2026. To eliminate the risk of leaks during physical transit or long-term storage, NIOS has shifted to a Digital Delivery System. Question papers would not be sent as physical hard copies weeks in advance. Instead, they would be supplied through a secure Online Mode. Designated examination centers can only download the question paper on the actual day of the examination at a specified time (just before the commencement). The printing of the Question Paper occurs locally at the center under strict supervision, ensuring that the paper is not exposed to the public or unauthorized personnel until minutes before the exam begins. NIOS mechanism for Monitoring Fake Rumours & Social Media Vigilance:  A dedicated monitoring cell to track and debunk "fake leak" claims.  Official advisories urging learners and stakeholders not to indulge in or believe unsubstantiated claims.  Specialized email and reporting channels for public to flag suspicious links or groups claiming to sell leaked papers.  A "Zero Tolerance" policy toward those disrupting the examination process. Instructions to all learners to rely exclusively on the official NIOS website (nios.ac.in) for updates.  A direct line of communication with Regional Centres and Study Centres to ensure that any genuine issue is clarified immediately, preventing a minor glitch from being misinterpreted as a "leak" by social media influencers. NIOS establishes control rooms in all its NIOS Regional Centres and at its Headquarters. The Email addresses and the Contact numbers of these control rooms are shared among all the stake holders and General Public. As far as Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is concerned, the Board has taken the following steps to ensure fair and smooth conduct of the ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) Examinations: i. Storage of Question Papers with third party custodian i.e. Nationalised and Scheduled Banks. ii. Question Papers are handled only by the Authorised Representative of CISCE in the presence of the Examination Centre In-charges. iii. Question Papers are allowed to withdraw from the Bank only 01 hour before the Commencement of the examinations. Also guidelines have been issued for its safe handling and opening before commencement of the examination. iv. The entire movement of confidential materials from the custodian bank to examination hall is tracked through a mobile application. v. The Question Papers are opened by Chief Supervising Examiner in the presence of Invigilators and students under CCTV surveillance. vi. Entire CISCE examination is conducted under CCTV surveillance and centres have to maintain the recording up to 60 days after the declaration of results for verification purpose. vii. Wherever any irregularity is suspected, a Special Observer is deputed. viii. ⁠As a regular mechanism an Inspector is appointed for examination centres for random verification to ensure smooth, fair and safe conduct of the examinations. ix. Whenever any complaint is received regarding the conduct of examinations, appropriate steps are initiated by the Board, after verification of the genuineness of the complaint. *****