ChatGPT finds a new use in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, cheating in exams
Times of India
by SOUMITRA BOSEFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An AI-driven cheating scheme using ChatGPT was uncovered during the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC Class 12) exams in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. The racket involved generating answers for political science, chemistry, and physics papers through the AI tool and sharing them with students via chits at an exam center in Chamorshi. A surprise raid by a flying squad led by Zilla Parishad CEO Suhas Gade exposed the operation just minutes before the exam ended, revealing a sophisticated cheating network.
The investigation found that exam center staff members, including peon Suraj Kelzarkar and teacher Mahendra Kirme, were involved in forwarding question papers to an external source. These questions were then fed into ChatGPT for instant answers, which were printed nearby and smuggled back to students. This hi-tech method replaced traditional cheating techniques, marking a new low in exam fraud.
The probe committee identified four individuals—teachers Sushil Lanjewar and Mahendra Burlewar, teacher Mahendra Kirme, and peon Suraj Kelzarkar—who have been suspended or face legal action. The incident highlights the growing threat of AI-driven cheating in education systems, particularly in regions like Gadchiroli, which is striving to improve schooling and opportunities for its youth.
This case raises concerns about the integrity of examination systems globally, as it underscores how advanced technology can be exploited to undermine academic fairness. In a district
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026