AP introduces centralised real-time CCTV monitoring of medical exams across 37 colleges

Vijayawada: Examinations for medical students across Andhra Pradesh will now come under real-time, centralised surveillance.

The State government has launched a Remote Command Control Centre at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences here to monitor examinations conducted in 37 government and private medical colleges.

Real-time monitoring to curb malpractice

The Remote Command Control Centre has been set up to ensure greater transparency and discipline in the conduct of medical examinations.

Through this system, examination halls in government and private medical colleges are connected to the university via CCTV cameras, enabling round-the-clock monitoring during exams.

Cost and operations

The Command Control Centre is operated by Origo Biz Solutions, with software support provided by Durank. The facility was established at a cost of about Rs 30 lakh, while maintenance expenditure for two years is estimated at Rs 1.5 crore.

Speaking after launching the facility, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the initiative would effectively prevent copying and other malpractices, while strengthening the credibility of medical examinations in the state.

Coverage across UG, PG and allied courses

The system will initially monitor MBBS and postgraduate medical examinations, including annual and supplementary tests.

In a phased manner, examinations related to dental, Ayurveda, homoeopathy, nursing and other allied health science courses will also be brought under the Remote Command Control Centre.

Every year, around 60,000 students appear for various examinations conducted by the university across different courses.

Phased implementation in colleges

At present, examinations in five medical colleges are being monitored through the new system.

The number of colleges connected to the Command Control Centre will be increased gradually until all 37 government and private medical colleges in the state are fully integrated.

Tamper-proof video recordings preserved for 70 days

One of the key features of the system is extended data retention. CCTV footage capturing students’ movements inside examination halls will be securely stored for up to 70 days, allowing authorities to verify footage in case of complaints or disputes.

Advanced technology has been deployed to ensure recordings remain tamper-proof and protected from data loss.

AI alerts and backup mechanisms

Artificial Intelligence-based alerts will immediately notify the Command Control Centre if CCTV cameras or internet connectivity fail at any college. Even if internet services are disrupted during examinations, recorded visuals will remain accessible later.

With the new arrangement, colleges will no longer be required to physically submit CCTV hard disks to the university after examinations.

Infrastructure and monitoring setup

Each medical college has an average of 25 CCTV cameras, depending on the hall capacity. The Command Control Centre is equipped with a six-screen video wall and 10 monitoring computers, manned by trained staff who continuously oversee examination proceedings.

Staff deployment at the centre is done on a randomised basis to ensure impartial monitoring.

System to enhance accountability, optimise manpower

University Vice-Chancellor Dr Chandrashekhar and Registrar Radhika Reddy said steps are being taken to bring all examinations conducted by the university under the Remote Command Control system.

The duo said the initiative would make examination personnel more accountable, optimise the use of human resources and mark a significant reform in the governance of medical education examinations in Andhra Pradesh.

Controller of Examinations Dr Srikanth and AP Medical Council Chairman Srihari Rao were also present.