Over seven lakh candidates will appear for the board examinations conducted by Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) this year.

The examinations, which begin tomorrow, will see 4,34,566 candidates taking the matriculation test and 3,34,274 candidates appearing for the intermediates. Compared to last year, there are 76,764 more matriculation candidates in the fray, while 32,295 more will try and cross the intermediate hurdle.

After last year’s disastrous results, schools have been careful about preparing students well for the boards. “This year we are hopeful that students will excel as we have completed the syllabus and also started special coaching classes with focus on science, English and maths,” said Ranchi district education officer Mahip Kumar Singh.

He added that the education department had conducted mock examinations for candidates and also introduced helpline numbers to address their queries.

While the administration and schools could claim to have done their bit to prepare students for the examinations, the examinees also appeared confident.

“This time our preparation is on par with students of private schools as our teachers have devoted enough time to prepare us for the examination. Last year, many students had failed to clear the science and English papers. But this year with helpline numbers, special coaching classes and mock examinations we look forward to performing better,” said Ranjan Kumar, a Class X student of Marwari Boys School.

JAC officials have been addressing student queries through the toll free number 18003456523. The number can be accessed in case of emergencies by the candidates as well as by centre superintendents deputed in each centre across Jharkhand.

This year, 388 centres have been allotted for the intermediate examination and 807 centres for matriculation.

While 150 static and zonal magistrates have been appointed to supervise the matriculation exams, 58 magistrates will supervise the intermediate exams. As many as 93 observers have been deputed around the state while JAC has also arranged flying squads to visit each centre in every district for surprise checks.

Speaking to The Telegraph, JAC secretary Sushil Kumar Roy said elaborate arrangements have been made for conducting peaceful and fair examinations. “Those found guilty of using unfair means will have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000 or face six months in jail under JAC Act 2002,” he said.

He added that adequate number of police personnel and flying squad members reporting to deputy commissioners of each district would ensure that the examinations are conducted smoothly.

Roy said this year’s board examinations were being conducted as per the JAC academic calendar unlike last year, when the exams were delayed due to teachers being engaged in the population census.

Meanwhile, Ranchi deputy commissioner K.K. Soan said a meeting took place two weeks ago with the concerned police officers to brief them about the arrangements.