To prevent leaks, CBSE considers using encrypted question papers
To avoid a repeat of this year's leak of question papers, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is planning to use encrypted question papers from next year. Under the new proposed plan, each examination center will have unique login details using which they can download the question papers just before the examination. These papers will then be photocopied and distributed among students.
Till now, CBSE stored question papers in bank vaults
For years now, CBSE has been following the old method of storing question papers at banks. Hours before the examination, the center superintendent (usually the school's principal) takes the papers to the centers. Storing of papers in bank vaults is obviously not a full-proof solution, like we saw this year, where a group of teachers and staff leaked the question papers.
The new plan seems leak-proof, but is it workable?
The board is conducting a survey to ascertain the practicality of this new method. While it seems leak-proof, having such a system will also mean that all 4,500 centers of CBSE should have computers, printers, xerox machines, etc. A weak Internet connection or power cut at the last minute could also happen. In this case, CBSE needs to have a backup plan in place.
CBSE tried using encryption method for re-examination of Class-XII
Another plan which CBSE was considering was to distribute tablets to students for them to download the question papers at the centers. But this would have meant high cost, hence the idea was dropped. The board tried using the encryption method for the re-examination of Class-XII Economics, but later conducted the test via the traditional method. As a pilot project, however, the same was used for Class X compartment exam.
Anurag Tripathi says board plans to provide infrastructure to schools
"For board examinations, we have almost 4,500 exam centers and close to 30 lakh children, so the board is deliberating on providing infrastructure at the examination centers," said CBSE secretary Anurag Tripathi, and added banks will be provided 'printed set of papers' for an emergency.
The backstory: CBSE leaks left the board red-faced this year
Earlier this year, the Central Board received flak after question papers of Class-XII (Economics) and Class-X (Maths) were leaked. While the board conducted re-examinations for the senior class, it didn't for Class-X students saying the leak happened in Delhi region only. Later, investigation unearthed the involvement of private school teachers and other staff members. The board definitely wouldn't want a repeat telecast next year.
