AHSE 2027: Odisha CHSE to add 50-60 exam centres for 4.15 lakh students
In short
- Odisha CHSE will add 50 to 60 examination centres for the AHSE-2027, bringing the total to over 1,400.
- Approximately 4.15 lakh students are expected to appear for AHSE-2027, including 4 lakh regular students.
- All examination centres must install or verify CCTV cameras in strong rooms, superintendent's office, halls, and labs by November 30, 2026.
- CCTV footage will be live-streamed to CHSE, the School and Mass Education Department, and District Collectorates for real-time monitoring.
- Internal assessments are tentatively scheduled for December 22, 2026, with practical examinations likely starting January 2, 2027.
The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) Odisha announced on October 27, 2026, its decision to establish 50 to 60 additional examination centres and bolster security measures for the upcoming Annual Higher Secondary Examination (AHSE)-2027. This expansion aims to accommodate an estimated 4.15 lakh students expected to sit for the examination.
The move addresses the projected increase in examinees, with approximately 4 lakh regular students among the total. In 2026, 3,98,498 students appeared for the exam across various streams, using 1,357 centres. The expansion will also involve increasing the number of exam hubs, which store question papers, and implementing AI-enabled camera surveillance across all hubs and centres.
Expansion of Examination Centres and Hubs
For the AHSE-2027, the CHSE plans to add 50 to 60 new examination centres, increasing the total number from the 1,357 centres used in 2026. This expansion is partly supported by the opening of 104 new upgraded higher secondary schools, with 50 of these new institutions designated to serve as exam centres. The number of students per exam centre will be capped at 50 to manage logistics and security effectively.
On top of centres, the council intends to add two to three new exam hubs to the existing 211. These hubs are critical for the secure storage and distribution of question papers and related materials. Prasanta Kumar Parida, CHSE controller of examinations, confirmed that preparations for these additional centres and hubs have already commenced. The table below provides a comparison of student and centre data for recent and upcoming examinations.
| Year | Students Appeared | Exam Centres |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,98,498 | 1,357 |
| 2027 (projected) | ~4,15,000 | 1,357 + 50-60 new |
Enhanced Security Measures and Surveillance
A key component of the AHSE-2027 arrangements is the significant enhancement of security protocols to prevent malpractice. All exam hubs will be equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled camera surveillance, allowing for live monitoring by CHSE and district administration offices. This real-time oversight is intended to ensure the integrity of the examination process from question paper storage to distribution.
Heads of institutions designated as examination centres have been directed to install new CCTV cameras or ensure the functionality of existing ones by November 30, 2026. These cameras are mandatory in strong rooms where question papers are stored, the centre superintendent’s office, examination halls, and laboratories. The footage from these cameras will be live-streamed to CHSE, the School and Mass Education Department, and the District Collectorate for continuous monitoring. Colleges are required to update their CCTV installation status on the SAMS e-Space portal by the same deadline, with non-compliant centres facing potential cancellation of their status and disciplinary action.
Timeline for Preparations and Examinations
The CHSE has outlined a schedule for the preparatory activities and the examinations themselves. The council aims for all CCTV cameras to be operational before the commencement of internal assessments and practical examinations. Internal assessments are tentatively scheduled to begin on December 22, 2026, followed by practical examinations, which are likely to start on January 2, 2027.
The directive for CCTV installation by November 30, 2026, underscores the urgency of these security upgrades. This timeline ensures that the monitoring infrastructure is fully in place and tested well in advance of the examination period, aligning with the CHSE’s objective to maintain a secure and fair examination environment for all students.
Further reading
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