HPBOSE grants compensatory marks after Class 10 answer sheet tampering

After a major irregularity in the Himachal Pradesh board exam conducting system came to light, Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has decided to award compensatory marks to students to ensure their results are not affected.

The matter was uncovered after a forensic investigation confirmed tampering with answer sheets in HP Board matric exams conducted in March 2025.

According to Press Trust of India reports, HPBOSE board chairman Rajesh Sharma confirmed that the alleged tampering took place at the exam centre of Government Senior Secondary School, Jhandutta, in the Bilaspur district. A total of 40 students had appeared for the HP board Class 10 exam at the centre, including 11 students from Government High School, Jeora.

The case surfaced after nine students appearing in the arts stream subject (Sub Art-A) submitted a written complaint to the HPBOSE, alleging manipulation in the multiple choice questions (MCQ) section of their 10th answer sheets. Read More: HP board introduces identical question papers, MCQs for Class 10, 12 annual exams 2026

HBOSE examined answer sheets

Following the complaint, the HPBOSE called students to the board headquarters in October 2025, where their answer sheets were examined in the presence of subject experts.

Following this, the answer sheets were sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Dharamsala, for examination. The forensic report confirmed that tampering had indeed taken place.

HPBOSE chairman further stated that a special committee constituted by the board conducted a detailed investigation into the matter.

Also read HPBOSE set to roll out single syllabus for Class 10 in government schools

HP 10th Answer Sheets: Discrepancy in serial numbers

During the investigation, another major discrepancy surfaced when the serial numbers on the "tamper-proof" envelopes containing the answer sheets did not match the numbers recorded in the packing memos.

The findings suggested that the envelopes containing the answer sheets may have been swapped either at the exam centre or during subsequent handling. HPBOSE clarified that the students were not at fault and stressed that protecting their academic future remains its top priority.

In accordance with the investigation committee's recommendations, the HPBOSE has decided to grant compensatory marks, as per the board guidelines, for the “compromised questions” to ensure that the students' results and prospects are not affected.

Additionally, all related documents and investigation reports related to the case have been forwarded to the Education Department for further action.