Maharashtra HSC Chemistry Exam Row: Two Arrested for WhatsApp Question Circulation; Board Confirms No Paper Leak

Two arrested in Maharashtra for circulating HSC Chemistry exam questions on WhatsApp. Board confirms no paper leak, investigation continues to ensure exam integrity.

Pune | 25 February 2026: A controversy has surfaced during the ongoing Maharashtra Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations after Chemistry exam questions were allegedly circulated on WhatsApp before the scheduled exam time. The incident triggered panic among students and parents across the state, raising concerns about exam integrity. However, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has firmly clarified that there was no official paper leak and that the examination process remained secure.

According to officials, suspicious messages containing alleged Chemistry exam questions began circulating in WhatsApp groups on the morning of the examination day. The exam was scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, but the viral content started appearing hours earlier, prompting students and parents to question whether the paper had been leaked. Authorities were immediately alerted, and an investigation was launched in coordination with local police and education officials, particularly in districts such as Pune, where the circulation was widely reported.

During the investigation, police identified two individuals allegedly responsible for circulating the exam-related content through WhatsApp groups. Both suspects were arrested, and their mobile devices were seized for forensic analysis. Officials are currently examining chat histories, digital evidence, and contact networks to determine the origin of the messages and whether additional individuals were involved in spreading the information. Law enforcement authorities have registered a criminal case under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, and further arrests may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The Maharashtra State Board has reassured students and parents that there was no breach in the official examination system. Board officials explained that question papers are distributed under strict security protocols, including sealed packaging, controlled transportation, and monitored opening procedures at exam centers. According to the board, preliminary findings indicate that the questions circulated on WhatsApp were likely reconstructed or shared after the exam began, rather than leaked from official sources. The board emphasized that while such circulation is illegal and punishable, it does not qualify as an official paper leak.

The incident caused anxiety among thousands of students who feared the possibility of exam cancellation or unfair advantages. However, the board has confirmed that the Chemistry exam remains valid and no re-examination has been announced. Education experts note that the widespread use of encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp has made it easier for individuals to rapidly share sensitive information, posing new challenges for examination authorities. Even rumors or unauthorized circulation of exam content can undermine trust in the fairness and transparency of the system.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the integrity of board examinations and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found sharing or forwarding exam-related content illegally. The board is also considering additional preventive measures, including enhanced surveillance at exam centers, stronger monitoring of digital activity, and increased awareness among students about the legal consequences of sharing confidential exam information.

In conclusion, while the arrest of two individuals in connection with WhatsApp circulation of Maharashtra HSC Chemistry exam questions has raised serious concerns, officials have confirmed that there was no official paper leak. The swift response by police and the education board highlights the seriousness of the issue and the authorities’ determination to protect the credibility of the examination system. As investigations continue, officials aim to ensure fairness and transparency for all students appearing in one of the most important academic examinations in Maharashtra.

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