In the Maharashtra Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination results for 2026, the Latur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions produced 128 of the 179 students who achieved perfect scores of 100%. Despite these impressive results, both divisions experienced a decline in overall pass percentages, with Latur dropping from 92.77% to 88.42% and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar from 92.82% to 88.41%. This decline is attributed to stricter anti-copying measures implemented to combat widespread malpractice, which historically plagued the region. Education officials noted that the 'Latur Pattern'—a rigorous, exam-focused study model—remains effective, as it emphasizes early syllabus completion and repeated testing. Anil Sable, chairperson of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, highlighted that the drop in pass rates reflects the impact of aggressive enforcement against cheating. This year, 402 malpractice cases were reported statewide, with the highest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Latur Pattern, developed in the late 1980s, has created a robust coaching ecosystem, enabling students to excel academically. Additionally, students can receive extra marks for recognized excellence in extracurricular activities, further contributing to achieving perfect scores.