Board Exams 2026: CBSE, NIOS, CISCE tighten security as govt moves to curb fake question paper leak claims

The Union government has put in place a comprehensive monitoring framework to counter fake question paper leak claims and curb misinformation during board examinations, the education ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. The CBSE, NIOS, and CISCE have each adopted wide-ranging measures to protect the integrity of the exams and address rumours on social media.

Responding to a question by MP Imran Masood, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said education falls under the Concurrent List, and state governments manage their respective education boards.

However, central boards and institutions have adopted multiple steps to ensure the security of question papers and prevent rumours during examinations.

Also read Primary school teachers in Karnataka must serve 12 years before promotion, say new recruitment rules

CBSE Board Exams: Monitoring misinformation

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has put in place multiple security measures to protect question papers, starting from the stage of preparation to distribution.

Standard operating procedures are followed for each step, including secure packaging, transportation and storage of question papers. The CBSE also uses technology to track sensitive materials.

According to the ministry, around 20 cases of misinformation and attempts to spread rumours about question paper leaks were reported during the examination period. Authorities contacted the concerned social media platforms and the misleading content was removed.

CBSE has also issued advisories asking students, parents and schools not to believe or share unverified information related to the examinations.

Also read ‘More exhausting than manual’: How CBSE on-screen marking system is draining teachers it was meant to help

NIOS: Digital delivery of question papers

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has introduced a digital delivery system for its public examinations, which are scheduled to begin in the second week of April 2026.

Under this system, question papers will not be sent physically to centres in advance. Instead, designated exam centres will download the question paper online on the day of the exam shortly before it begins. The paper will then be printed at the centre under supervision.

NIOS has also set up a monitoring cell to track fake leak claims and rumours on social media. The board has asked students to rely only on information available on its official website.

Also read CBSE 2026: Board tightens rules on cheating, makes it harder to pass; Class 10 gets new marksheets

CISCE strict monitoring system

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has also taken several steps to ensure the fair conduct of its exams.

Question papers are stored with nationalised and scheduled banks and can be withdrawn only about an hour before the exam begins. The movement of confidential materials is tracked through a mobile application.

Exams are conducted under CCTV surveillance and recordings are kept for up to 60 days after the results are announced for verification if required.