Students coming out of the center after appearing for the first year intermediate examination at Dr LB College, Vijayawada on Monday. | Photo credit: KVS GIRI
Examination centers across the state were abuzz with activity on Monday (February 23, 2026) as the first year interim examinations began.
Students, grouped in small circles, were seen making last-minute repairs outside their centers while others who arrived late asked to be allowed inside. Due to strict timing, students have been advised to reach their centers at least 30 minutes before the exam which starts at 9 am.
On the first day, the state recorded 96.2% participation as 5,24,771 out of 5,45,028 registered students appeared for the second language paper while 20,123 students remained absent, according to a press release by the Board of Secondary Education (BIE).
BIE Secretary P. Ranjith Basha monitored the interrogation halls using CCTV cameras from the command room. According to a press release, the first day’s exam went smoothly and no cases of malpractice were reported anywhere in the state.
Later, Mr. Ranjith Basha visited two colleges in Mangalagiri to review the arrangements including adequate lighting and drinking water facilities.
Emphasizing round the clock monitoring of the halls, Mr. Ranjith Basha expressed satisfaction that all security measures have been taken to ensure that there is no malpractice during the examination on the first day.
Exams for Secondary 2 start on Tuesday (February 24).
In case of emergency, students can contact the dispatch center on the toll-free number 1800-425-1531, set up in the BIE office, which will operate from 7 am to 5 pm.
Published – 23 Feb 2026 20:47 IST
