In a first for the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE), the 2026 Madhyamik examinations have been rocked by a high-tech cheating scandal involving Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to Board President Ramanuj Gangopadhyay, students were caught using AI-powered apps and mobile phones to fetch answers during the Geography and Mathematics papers. As of now, the Board has cancelled the entire examination of 31 candidates found guilty of using unfair means.

The modus operandi was surprisingly sophisticated. Students allegedly concealed mobile phones in their shoes or undergarments to bypass security. They would then take frequent toilet breaks to use AI tools like Google Lens or ChatGPT to generate accurate answers to complex questions. In some instances, candidates even shared question paper images with external sources via AI-integrated platforms. The Board’s vigilance team caught these offenders through intensified CCTV monitoring and surprise checks. WBBSE has reiterated its “Zero Tolerance” policy toward cheating, emphasizing that the misuse of technology will lead to immediate expulsion. The incident has raised serious questions about the security protocols at examination centers, prompting the Board to consider metal detectors for future sessions.