The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has introduced additional security measures for its upcoming ICSE and ISC board examinations. Under the revised instructions, examination centre heads have been given the authority to conduct physical checks of students before they enter the examination halls. However, the decision to carry out such checks will remain at the discretion of individual centre heads.

The council has also tightened restrictions on electronic devices to prevent the use of technology for unfair examination practices. Candidates will not be permitted to bring smart accessories and AI-powered equipment into examination venues. The prohibited items include intelligent eyewear, smart rings, Bluetooth-enabled spectacles, digital recording pens and devices capable of translation.

These revised instructions were announced on Tuesday alongside the publication of the examination schedules for Classes 10 and 12. The ICSE examinations are scheduled to take place between February 15 and March 31, while the ISC examinations will run from February 9 to April 8.

The forthcoming ISC examinations will mark the first occasion on which students appear for subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Applied Mathematics. According to the timetable, Robotics and Applied Mathematics examinations are scheduled for February 12, while the Artificial Intelligence paper will take place on April 3.

The updated schedule has also been welcomed by school authorities, who believe the changes could contribute to smoother examination arrangements and better coordination among centres.

The examination instructions specifically empower school heads responsible for examination centres to inspect candidates before they enter the examination rooms, particularly to ensure that restricted belongings are not carried inside. In addition to these checks, the installation and use of CCTV cameras will be compulsory at examination centres.

CISCE has emphasised that maintaining the credibility of board examinations requires strong administrative oversight, transparency and consistent enforcement of examination rules. The latest measures are intended to reinforce confidence among students, parents and educational institutions.

Several school principals have noted that the provision allowing frisking represents a change from the usual examination procedures. Previously, students were generally reminded by school authorities to check their belongings and ensure that their pockets were empty before entering the examination hall.

Some school administrators believe that the provision is intended to establish a uniform security framework across affiliated institutions rather than address concerns about students at any particular school. They have also indicated that centre heads can decide whether physical checks are necessary based on the circumstances at their respective venues.

The council has separately circulated a detailed inventory of items that candidates are prohibited from carrying. The restrictions largely concern electronic and technology-based accessories, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence. Education officials believe that clearly identifying restricted devices will help prevent students from exploiting emerging technologies to gain an unfair advantage.

Another notable development concerns the revised examination timings. CISCE has brought forward the commencement of ICSE examinations to 10:15 am, nearly an hour earlier than the previous schedule. The adjustment is intended to give schools sufficient time to complete arrangements before the ISC examinations begin at 2 pm.

With stricter monitoring, restrictions on advanced electronic devices and revised examination schedules, CISCE aims to ensure a more organised and secure environment for the upcoming board examinations.