The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) publishes a public notice in reaction to rumours and misleading information concerning paper leaks in on-going Class 10th and 12th examinations.

The Board stated that it is alert and aggressive in identifying and prosecuting people who distribute false information and rumours. The Board has also warned that individuals who spread such bogus news on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media platforms will face severe penalties.

According to the notice, the board routinely notifies the Delhi Police Special Cell (MAC) to take strong action against those involved in the dissemination of false news through social media platforms in violation of several provisions of the IPC and IT Act.

Further to that, CBSE indicated that it will penalise students who were discovered to be circulating fake material in violation of the "unfair means" guideline and certain IPC laws. Parents are also asked to instruct their children not to accept such rumours and to avoid from engaging in any other behaviour that might disrupt the smooth administration of board examinations.

Students, parents, and teachers are therefore cautioned against spreading unverified news and rumours during the on-going exams, and they are also asked not to participate in such activities or spread such information through any means of communication in order to preserve the sanctity of the examinations at all costs.

The link below will take you straight to the CBSE's public alert. The formal notification, however, may be found at https://www.cbse.gov.in/

CBSE: Public Alert