Biometric Attendance Mandatory for Std XI, XII Students from Next Academic Year to Curb Absenteeism
![Biometric attendance for Std XI and XII students](https://www.punenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Biometric-attendance-for-Std-XI-and-XII-students-1024x576.jpg)
Pune: In a significant move to ensure 75% mandatory attendance and curb the growing nexus between educational institutes and private coaching centers, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has announced that students from Std XI and XII will be required to mark attendance using facial recognition or thumb impression-based biometric systems from the next academic year.
The decision aims to address the widespread practice of students enrolling in colleges solely to meet attendance requirements while primarily attending private coaching classes for competitive exams like IIT JEE, NEET, and MHT-CET. This trend has led to a significant drop in regular college attendance, with many students only attending practical sessions.
Sharad Gosavi, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board, stated, “The education department is making biometric attendance mandatory in junior colleges across the state to prevent students from neglecting regular classes. This will also tackle the issue of coaching centers collaborating with smaller colleges to manipulate attendance records.”
The biometric system, which requires facial recognition or fingerprints, ensures that attendance cannot be recorded unless the student is physically present. This move is expected to boost attendance in schools and junior colleges while regulating the influence of private coaching centers.
However, concerns have been raised about the quality of education provided in government schools and colleges. A parent of a Std XI student remarked, “While the system is good, the government must ensure quality coaching within schools and colleges to prepare students for entrance exams. Currently, students rely on private coaching due to the lack of adequate teaching in government institutions.”
The state board had proposed a similar plan two years ago, but it faced opposition and was shelved. With the reintroduction of the initiative, officials are hopeful that it will be successfully implemented this time.