Chennai is buzzing with anticipation as more than 17 lakh students across Tamil Nadu prepare to sit for their Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations this year. The School Education Department is leaving no stone unturned to ensure these high-stakes tests run smoothly and transparently, ramping up preparations with meticulous planning.
In a high-level review meeting chaired by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozi, senior officials assessed every aspect of the exam readiness. The goal was clear: eliminate any scope for irregularities and deliver a flawless process.
Official figures reveal that 8,27,475 students will appear for Class 12 exams, while 9,09,002 are registered for Class 10. Additionally, 25,051 students, including 5,944 private candidates, are set for pending Class 11 exams.
The Class 12 board exams kick off on March 2 and wrap up by March 26. Class 10 tests will follow from March 11 to April 6, setting the stage for thousands of young minds chasing their academic dreams.
Amid ongoing initiatives to broaden educational access, 281 prisoners took the Class 12 exam last year, and 395 appeared for Class 10—a testament to the state’s inclusive approach.
To orchestrate seamless operations, nearly 49,000 teachers will be deployed daily for exam duties. Over 4,900 flying squad members will patrol centers to curb unfair practices, ensuring a level playing field.
Addressing past misuse of scribe facilities for differently-abled students, the minister announced a revamped system. Trained volunteer scribes will replace subject teachers, preventing ineligible candidates from exploiting the provision and allowing educators to focus on supervision.
Students tackling accounting papers get a practical boost: permission to use basic non-programmable calculators. For private candidates, Aadhaar-based verification ensures they take exams within their home districts, with details uploaded to the system.
Responding to teacher demands, the minister assured consideration of CCTV installation at exam centers. With enhanced surveillance, tech-driven safeguards, and student-centric reforms, Tamil Nadu aims for impeccable board exams by 2026, fostering trust and excellence in education.