A Historic Milestone: IAS Officer Trigun Kulkarni Becomes First-Ever Chairman of Maharashtra State Board
For the first time since its inception, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will be headed by an officer from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Trigun Kulkarni, a 2016-batch IAS officer currently serving as Deputy Director General at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), has been appointed as the new Chairman of the State Board, marking a historic departure from tradition.
Background of the State Board
The Maharashtra State Board functions as an autonomous institution under the Education Department, entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the Class X (SSC) and Class XII (HSC) examinations through its nine divisional boards. Traditionally, the post of Chairperson has been occupied by officers drawn from the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s education service, making Kulkarni’s appointment a landmark change in the governance of one of the state’s largest educational bodies.
His predecessor, Sharad Gosavi, served as Chairman for three years before being transferred as Director of Primary Education. For the past year, Gosavi had been holding additional charge of the State Board while continuing his duties in the Primary Education Department.
Significance of Kulkarni’s Appointment
The induction of an IAS officer at the helm of the State Board is being seen as a strategic move to strengthen governance, streamline operations, and enhance accountability. Kulkarni’s administrative background at YASHADA, where he oversaw training and development programs for senior officials, is expected to bring fresh perspectives and systemic efficiency to the Board’s functioning.
Examination Schedule for 2026
The Maharashtra State Board oversees examinations for over 32 lakh students annually, with an additional 6 lakh students appearing for supplementary exams. For the upcoming academic session, the Board has announced the following schedule:
Class XII (HSC): Written examinations will be conducted from February 10 to March 18, 2026, across nine zonal boards—Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Amravati, Nashik, Latur, and Konkan. Practical, oral, and internal evaluations for subjects such as Information Technology and General Knowledge will take place between January 23 and February 9.
Class X (SSC): Written examinations are scheduled from February 20 to March 18, 2026. Practical, oral, and internal assessments in subjects including Anatomy, Health, and Home Science will be held between February 2 and February 18.
Measures to Ensure Fairness
The Board has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the examination process. Stringent measures are being implemented to curb malpractices, safeguard student interests, and ensure that assessments reflect genuine performance.
The appointment of Trigun Kulkarni as the first IAS Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board represents a historic turning point in educational governance, blending administrative expertise with academic oversight. His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of efficiency, fairness, and innovation in the state’s examination system.
