The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has started inspecting schools that are expected to serve as venues for its upcoming board examinations. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that schools have adequate security arrangements, infrastructure and emergency facilities in place before the examinations begin.

As part of the inspection, schools are being asked to provide information on the arrangements for storing confidential examination material. This includes the availability of steel cupboards equipped with double-locking mechanisms, the location of the bank responsible for safeguarding examination material and the distance between the school and the designated bank custodian.

The inspection process is being carried out through a detailed proforma covering several aspects of a school's readiness. Venue conveners are required to complete the questionnaire following the physical inspection and submit the required information within the stipulated timeline.

School authorities say that the inspection is conducted annually, although the current exercise has begun earlier than usual. The checks are intended to identify shortcomings in advance and help schools make the necessary improvements to ensure that examinations are conducted in an organised and secure manner.

Greater Focus on Security of Examination Material

CISCE has also strengthened its scrutiny of examination-related security following an incident in 2024 involving the loss of a packet containing ISC Psychology question papers while they were in transit. The incident resulted in the examination being rescheduled.

Since then, the inspection process has placed greater emphasis on the arrangements made by schools and banks for handling confidential examination material. The updated questionnaire seeks information about the concerned bank branch as well as the contact details of the person responsible for examination-related coordination.

Infrastructure and Student Capacity Under Review

The inspection also covers the physical infrastructure available at examination centres. Schools are required to submit details about examination halls and laboratories, including their dimensions, so that CISCE can determine whether the available space is appropriate for the number of students expected to appear.

Another important area of assessment is CCTV surveillance. Inspectors are checking whether examination rooms are covered by cameras, how many cameras are installed and whether their positioning provides sufficient coverage of the entire examination area.

Schools are also being asked to confirm whether confidential examination materials can be stored in locations protected by adequate CCTV monitoring.

Several schools have already strengthened their surveillance systems in response to earlier CISCE instructions. Some have increased the number of cameras installed in examination halls and are maintaining surveillance during examinations. Schools are also expected to retain recorded CCTV footage until the examination results are declared.

The inspection exercise is therefore serving not only as a compliance check but also as an opportunity for schools to identify gaps in their existing infrastructure and make improvements before the board examinations.

Medical Facilities Also Included

Medical preparedness is another component of the inspection. CISCE is checking whether examination centres have an infirmary or designated medical room available for students during the examination period.

Schools that do not have a dedicated medical facility are required to provide details of the alternative arrangements they would make if a student needs medical attention during an examination.

Overall, the expanded inspection process reflects CISCE's emphasis on strengthening examination security, improving venue preparedness and ensuring that schools are equipped to handle both routine requirements and emergencies during the board examination period.