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Unfair Means in CBSE Board Exam 2025: Know Actions and Penalties

Unfair Means in CBSE Board Exam 2025: Know Actions and Penalties

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Mangane PriyankaUpdated on 08 May 2025, 04:47 PM IST

The Central Board of Secondary Education conduct the CBSE board examination across the country. Students must maintain integrity throughout the examination. Some students take advantage of unfair means during the CBSE 10th and CBSE 12th board exams where they will have to face problems in their academic journey. If the student gets caught up, they will be debarred from writing the further board exams and the CBSE might also stop their academics for 1 to 2 years. Students can check out the CBSE board actions and penalties mentioned below to learn more about the unfair means.

This Story also Contains

  1. What Does Unfair Means Mean in the CBSE Board Exams 2025?
  2. Actions and Penalties for Using Unfair Means in CBSE Board Exam 2025
  3. Steps to Avoid Unfair Means During the CBSE Exam
Unfair Means in CBSE Board Exam 2025: Know Actions and Penalties
Unfair Means in CBSE Board Exam 2025: Know Actions and Penalties

The CBSE board has made clear the stringent policies to stop such practices and to maintain the integrity of the board examination. In this article, we have explained the unfair means types, actions and penalties taken by the CBSE board for students who are involved and are caught cheating during the board exams. Read the article to learn more about the unfair means in the CBSE board exam 2025.

Background wave

What Does Unfair Means Mean in the CBSE Board Exams 2025?

Unfair Means in the CBSE board exam refers to the illegal practice or dishonest actions used by students during the examination to pass. Students may want to get an undue advantage during the CBSE board exam and these practices can violate the ethical policies set by the board. These may include -

  • Having unauthorised material like carrying textbooks, notes, or electronic devices to the exam hall. This is prohibited.
  • Students will try to copy answers from another student in the examination hall.
  • Some candidates write answers on the body parts, desk, palm, etc., to refer to during the exam.
  • Candidates might ask to receive answers from outsiders or their fellow peers.
  • Students may use and cheat with electronic devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, or other gadgets to access exam information.
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Actions and Penalties for Using Unfair Means in CBSE Board Exam 2025

CBSE has categorised unfair means into five categories which all have various kinds of cases which can be considered unfair means and will lead to an action and penalty. Here are the cases, penalties and further conditions if any student is caught using unfair means

Actions and Penalties for Category 1 of Unfair Means

Sr No.

Unfair Means CaseAction, Panelties and Further Options

1.1

Having question papers of previous years.

  • If any student is caught with these unfair means, it can lead to the cancellation of the current examination of the respective subject.

  • He/She shall be allowed to take that examination in the compartment examination, if otherwise eligible.

  • If no evidence is available against the student, he/she may get the benefit of the doubt.

1.2

Writing Questions or Answers on any material other than the Answer Book for writing answers.

1.3

Tearing off any page of the answer book or supplementary answer book etc.

1.4

Contacting or communicating or trying to do so with any person, other than the Examination Staff, during the examination time in the examination centre.

1.5

Having copying material (hard copy etc.) in her/his possession but have not use it.

1.6

Breaching examination rules or any direction issued by CBSE from time to time, in connection with the conduct of Examinations.

Category 2 Guidelines on Unfair Means

Sr No.

Unfair Means Case

Action, Panelties and Further Options

2.1

Affixing/uploading of fabricated photograph on the Admit Card.

Supported by Documentary Evidence

  • It can lead to the cancellation of the current examination of all the Subjects.

  • He/she shall have to take the examination in all subjects in the next year.

2.2

Erasing any information printed on the Answer Book(s).

2.3

Providing wrong information on the answer sheet.

Supported by documentary evidence

2.4

Having copying material in her/his possession (hard copy etc.) and having used it.

2.5

Communicating with another student or the Assistant Superintendent directly or indirectly.

2.6

Assisting other students to engage in malpractice.

2.7

Assisting other student(s) directly or indirectly of any kind or attempting to do so.

2.8

Taking assistance from another student directly or indirectly of any kind or attempting to do so.

Unfair Means Category 3 Actions and Penalties

Sr No.

Unfair Means Case

Action, Panelties and Further Options

3.1

Taking away the Answer Book out of the Examination Hall/Room/Centre.

  • Officials can cancel the current as well as next year’s examinations in all subjects.

  • He/she will have to take the examination in all subjects thereafter.

3.2

Smuggling out Question Paper or part thereof, out of the Examination Hall.

3.3

Smuggling out Answer Books/Supplementary Answer Sheet or part thereof, out of the Examination Hall.

3.4

Possession, use or attempted use of any electronic device (including Mobile Phone), which can be used as a communication device, after entering the examination centre.

3.5

Using abusive language, and threatening the staff on duty.

3.6

Indulging in violence at the time of examination or thereafter in the examination centre.

3.7

Forceful entry/exit in/from the Examination Centre or Hall.

Actions and Penalties for Category 4 of Unfair Means

Sr No.

Unfair Means Case

Action, Panelties and Further Options

4.1

Impersonation. Paying/placing/making someone else to write an examination.

  • It can lead to the cancellation of the current as well as of the next three years’ examination in all subjects.

  • He/she will have to take the examination in all subjects thereafter.

4.2

Uploading/sharing any examination-related material, correct or wrong, on social media.

4.3

Approaching any Authority(ies)/person(s) related to the conduct of exams soliciting unauthorized privilege(s) in these Examinations.

4.4

Taking legal courses or any other means to influence CBSE to gain an advantage in their favour, by providing false information.

Category 5 Actions and Penalities Guidelines for Unfair Means

Sr No.

Unfair Means Case

Action, Panelties and Further Options

5.1

Using obscene/derogatory language in the answer book.

  • He/she will be counselled by the UFM Committee so that she/he abstains from using such language in the answer book in future examinations.

  • Currency notes etc. shall be forfeited and deposited in the Board’s account.


5.2

Using threatening language in the Answer Book for the evaluators with or without any appeal.

5.3

Using language/threat of harm to oneself in the Answer Book with or without any appeal.

5.4

Use any other Ink or Pencil for writing answers in the answer book.

5.5

Having enclosed/attached a currency note or other such instrument with the answer book with or without any appeal/message for the evaluator.


Steps to Avoid Unfair Means During the CBSE Exam

Students must understand how to avoid using unfair means to ensure fair conduct during the board exam. They can check out the following steps to avoid Unfair Means during the CBSE exam 2025.

  • Understanding the Exam Pattern - Students must understand and familiarise themselves with the CBSE 10th exam pattern and the CBSE Class 12 exam pattern to learn more about the subject-wise important topics and marking scheme. It will help them understand the syllabus thoroughly. Candidates can practice solving previous year's question papers.
  • Preparation is the KEY - Candidates must note that preparation is the key and is the best way to avoid cheating and unfair means. They must prepare for the board exam thoroughly. Students can start preparing early by creating a study plan in a structured manner that will allow them time to revise the topics.
  • Follow the Rules - Students must ensure that they are aware of all the regulations and rules of the CBSE board for the examination. They must follow the invigilator's instructions and ensure that they do not use any unauthorised material during the exam.
  • Stay Calm in the Exam - In most cases, students resort to using unfair means because of no preparation or they start panicking. They must try to stay focused and calm and write the answers to the questions they know the best.
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Important NOTE for Students

The CBSE Board Examination 2025 is an important milestone for a student's academic journey. They might have the pressure to perform well among their peers and to maintain an image in society but resorting to unfair means for writing the exam will be unethical. It might lead to severe consequences. The CBSE board has stringent policies, actions, and penalties for students who use unfair means to write the board examination. Students must stick to maintain academic integrity and must rely on preparation, hard work, and honesty to pass the CBSE board exam 2025. They will have more brighter future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What action does the CBSE board take against the students who get caught with unfair means during the board exam?
A:

Students will be debarred and will not be permitted to write the exams if they are caught cheating and use unfair means during the CBSE board exam 2025. 

Q: Does the CBSE board have any stringent policies for unfair means?
A:

Yes, the Central Board of Secondary Education will take action and penalties against the students who take advantage of the unfair means during the board examination.

Q: Why it is important for me to read all the instructions during the CBSE board exam?
A:

Students will have to go through the instructions while appearing for the CBSE board examination 2025 to avoid inconveniences. They can go through the CBSE exam day guidelines 2025 to learn more about the board exam instructions in detail.

Q: What will happen if I get caught in the CBSE board examination 2025?
A:

The CBSE board will take strict action against students who get caught cheating or if they use unfair means during the examination. 

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Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Hello

Yes, if you’re not satisfied with your marks even after the improvement exam, many education boards allow you to reappear as a private candidate next year to improve your scores. This means you can register independently, study at your own pace, and take the exams without attending regular classes. It’s a good option to improve your results and open up more opportunities for higher studies or careers. Just make sure to check the specific rules and deadlines of your education board so you don’t miss the registration window. Keep your focus, and you will do better next time.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.

Hello,

Yes, you can. If you missed the first compartment exam, you can appear in the second compartment exam as per CBSE rules.

Hope it helps !

Hello Prisha

As you have compartment in Mathematics and you wish to change your stream to Humanities you have 2 options from here on:

1. You could try to study and clear your compartment of Mathematics.

2. You can change your stream to Humanities but you will need to repeat from Class 11th so you will need 2 years from now to clear Class 12th.

My personal suggestion will be to choose Option 1. Trust me I have dealt with this feeling myself and wanted to choose Option 2 but I worked hard and cleared my exams. I was scared not only in Mathematics but Physics, Chemistry and even Computer Science.
At last, it's on you what you want to choose.

Thank You!

HELLO,

The GUJCET merit list is calculated by considering 60% of the marks obtained in Class 12 and 40% of the GUJCET score. CBSE students are also eligible to compete with GSEB students, as the merit list is prepared by combining the Class 12 scores with the GUJCET performance.

Merit Calculation:
  • The merit list is calculated by combining the scores from both class and the GUJCET exam
  • This means that both your performance in the class 12 board exams and the GUJCET exam are considered when determining your rank

CBSE Students and GUJCET:

  • CBSE students can appear for the GUJCET exam, even though they are not from the Gujrat Board
  • For CBSE students, the 60% weightage for class 12 marks will be based on their performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their class 12 board exams
  • The remaining 40% weightage will be given to their GUJCET score.

Hope this Helps!