Bhubaneswar: The annual Plus Two examination began amid tight security on Tuesday with the authorities taking every precaution following allegations of question paper leaks in the Class X exam.

Over three lakhs students are appearing for the annual exam at 1,104 centres across the state that is being conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education.

While exams for science and commerce streams commenced on Tuesday, arts students will write their first exam on Wednesday. The exam will end on March 29.

Council authorities have put up strict vigil to check malpractices and instituted a three-tier security system to prevent a repeat of question paper leaks that has plagued the Class X exams. That apart, the exam centres have also set up CCTV cameras to monitor the proceedings.

Except the centre superintendent, the council has barred exam centre officials, teachers, employees, squad members and candidates from carrying mobile phones into the centres.

It has also asked the respective centre superintendents to strictly enforce the rule.

The directive also stated that no official or teacher should be in possession of mobile phones when the question paper packets are opened. However, the centre superintendent can have a mobile phone to remain in contact with the authorities.

"Action will be taken against students found engaging in malpractice," said council chairman Amarendra Patnaik.