MHRD panel recommends QR codes for CBSE question papers
An expert panel constituted by the Union ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has come up with several suggestions to prevent paper leaks, including the use of center-specific quick response (QR) codes on question papers, as reported by the Hindustan Times. The panel also reportedly sought to scrap variations in marking schemes and moderation practices followed by different boards. Here's more.
Two major leaks shook the nation this year
During this year's CBSE board exams, the Class 10 Mathematics paper, and the Class 12 Economics paper got leaked. The leaks rocked the entire nation, and while a re-examination was held for the Class 12 leak, Class 10 math was evaluated on the leaked paper.
The panel's suggestions will be considered by the MHRD
The eight-member panel, headed by former MHRD secretary VS Oberoi, was given the task of inspecting and reviewing all tasks pertaining to security checks in the board exam system, and ensuring that question papers reach students without being leaked. It assessed potential weak points in the system, and the committee's suggestions will now be considered by the MHRD. There's no time-frame for implementation.
What the panel suggested in terms of tech-based security
The panel suggested several corrective measures apart from center-specific QR codes from question papers. Notably, it suggested dispatching encrypted question papers to exam centers electronically, and urged implementation of this system by CBSE on a pilot basis. It also suggested having only one question paper bank per city, instead of individual banks for each center, and said question paper banks should have CCTV facilities.
Other suggestions made by the panel
Other suggestions by the panel include holding examinations for less popular subjects in January-February, ahead of the main exam. Additionally, the panel suggested generating multiple question papers based on a question bank, so moderators (who check question papers for errors) wouldn't know the final question paper. It also recommended using government schools as exam centers, over private schools, to reduce chances of paper leaks.
