Tamil Nadu teachers propose CCTV cameras for exam centres

Government school teachers in Tamil Nadu are calling for the installation of CCTV cameras and stricter supervision at public examination centres for the 2026-27 Class 10 and Class 12 exams. The proposal aims to increase accountability and protect students following allegations of misconduct.

R. Srinivasan, state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Headmasters’ Association, noted that surveillance could safeguard students and address issues related to cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He cited existing mandates for CCTV coverage in the CBSE and Karnataka school education departments as precedents.

Additional demands include reforming the appointment of invigilators, reducing the time gaps between examination papers, and reviewing the policy that allows chief invigilators to use mobile phones during the first hour of exams. These measures follow concerns regarding unusually high concentrations of perfect scores at certain private institutions.

While the proposal seeks enhanced security, officials from the Directorate of Government Examinations have raised concerns regarding the high cost of equipping more than 7,000 examination centres and approximately 42,000 halls with camera systems.