Matriculation (Class 10) examinations conducted in March 2025

Dharamshala, May 22, 2026: A major irregularity in the examination system of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has come to light after a forensic investigation confirmed tampering with answer sheets during the Matriculation (Class 10) examinations conducted in March 2025.
In an official press note issued by the Board and attributed to HPBoSE Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma, the Board stated that strict cognizance has been taken of the matter and that action has been initiated to protect the academic interests of the affected students.
According to the Chairman, the alleged tampering took place at the examination centre of Government Senior Secondary School, Jhandutta, in Bilaspur district. A total of 40 students had appeared for the examination at the centre, including 11 students from Government High School, Jeora.
The matter surfaced after nine students appearing in the Arts stream subject (Sub Art-A) submitted a written complaint to the Board, alleging manipulation in the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) section of their answer sheets.
Following the complaint, the students were called to the Board headquarters in October 2025, where their answer sheets were examined in the presence of subject experts. Subsequently, the answer sheets were sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Dharamsala, for examination. The forensic report reportedly confirmed that tampering had indeed taken place.
Dr. Rajesh Sharma further stated that a special committee constituted by the Board conducted a detailed investigation into the case. During the probe, another serious discrepancy emerged when the serial numbers of the “tamper-proof” envelopes containing the answer sheets were found to be inconsistent with the numbers mentioned in the packing memos. The findings indicated that the envelopes carrying the answer sheets may have been interchanged either at the examination centre or during subsequent handling.
The Board clarified that the students were not at fault in the matter and emphasized that safeguarding their academic future remains its top priority. Acting on the committee’s recommendations, HPBoSE has decided to award compensatory marks, as per Board regulations, for the compromised questions to ensure that the students’ results and future prospects are not adversely affected.
All documents and investigation reports related to the case have been forwarded to the Education Department for further action. The Board Chairman stated that strict legal and departmental proceedings would be initiated against those found responsible.
Reiterating the Board’s commitment to transparency and credibility in the examination process, Dr. Sharma said the institution would take every necessary step to maintain the integrity of the education system.