Pune: A Class 12 examination center at a junior college on Agarkar Road, Pune, was found to be accommodating students beyond its designated capacity, prompting immediate intervention from the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. To ensure a fair examination process, the Board has appointed a special supervisory team for the duration of the exams.

The issue came to light when the State Board’s flying squad conducted a surprise inspection at the exam center. The college had been allotted the center based on available classrooms, but due to over-enrollment, it was hosting 1,400 students instead of the approved 1,200-seat capacity. Inspectors found closely arranged benches in larger classrooms to accommodate the extra students, raising concerns about seating arrangements and exam integrity.

Upon discovering the overcrowding, the State Board took immediate action to rectify the seating arrangements while ensuring that the exam continued smoothly without any disruptions.

Speaking on the situation, Sharad Gosavi, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, stated: "Ideally, the junior college should have informed the Board about this issue in advance.

However, since the exams were already in progress, relocating students to a different center was not an option. Instead, necessary seating adjustments were made at the same venue to avoid inconvenience to students. Additionally, a dedicated supervisory team has been deployed at the center to prevent any irregularities during the exam period."