Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 : The Annual HSC Examination 2026 commenced across the state today. Conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, the examination will continue from February 19 to March 2 under extensive administrative arrangements to ensure its smooth and transparent conduct. On the first day of the examination, Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department, visited several examination centres in Bhubaneswar to review the arrangements.
During his visit, he reviewed seating arrangements, security measures, question paper distribution systems, and other logistical facilities. He interacted with teachers, centre superintendents, invigilators, and district officials, directing them to maintain proper coordination and strictly adhere to examination guidelines. Expressing satisfaction over the preparedness, he reiterated the department’s commitment to conducting the examinations peacefully, fairly, and efficiently.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary also visited the BSE’s Command Control Room to review the overall management of the examination process and assess real-time monitoring and progress across the state. He took stock of the surveillance mechanisms and coordination systems put in place to ensure a smooth and incident-free examination.
Statewide, 5,46,875 candidates are appearing for the Annual HSC Examination this year. Including candidates of the State Open School Certificate Examination and Madhyama Examination, the total number of examinees has reached 5,61,979. To facilitate the smooth conduct of the examinations, 332 nodal centres and 3082 examination centres have been established across all districts, supported by comprehensive supervision and monitoring arrangements. To ensure strict vigilance and prevent malpractice, 72 district-level flying squads and 37 BSE flying squads have been deployed across the state. Additionally, one observer has been appointed at each of the 3,082 examination centres to monitor the conduct of the examinations and ensure adherence to guidelines.
