2 min readMumbaiMay 25, 2026 10:06 PM IST
First published on: May 25, 2026 at 10:06 PM IST
The state government is considering introducing a centralized biometric attendance system in junior colleges across the state to tighten monitoring of student attendance and curb manipulation of records.
The Directorate of School Education (Secondary and Higher Secondary) has submitted a proposal to the government seeking approval for installation of biometric systems in more than 9,000 junior colleges. Officials estimate the project could cost over ₹100 crore.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of integrated coaching institutes following the NEET paper leak controversy and allegations involving a coaching institute in Latur. The controversy renewed demands for stricter regulation of tie-ups between coaching centres and junior colleges.
Under the integrated coaching model, private coaching institutes partner with junior colleges, allowing students to focus primarily on entrance exam preparation for tests such as NEET and JEE while attendance records are managed through the colleges. Critics allege the system enables manipulation of attendance records and weakens classroom teaching in colleges.
Officials said the proposed biometric mechanism could help prevent tampering of attendance data and ensure compliance with the mandatory 75 per cent attendance rule.
Mahesh Palkar said, “Such a mechanism is proposed to ensure greater transparency in attendance records of junior college and in ensuring strict compliance to mandatory 75 percent attendance clause. A proposal is sent to the government on this.”
Palkar, however, clarified that the proposal had been under consideration even before the NEET controversy surfaced.
Meanwhile, coaching class owners’ associations from across Maharashtra have recently formed a consortium to push for long-pending regulations for the coaching industry. The group has also opposed the integrated coaching system and demanded biometric attendance in junior colleges.
