Kerala schools to implement digital security to curb question paper leak

Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the widespread leakage of question papers, the Department of General Education has decided to introduce a digital lock system for school exams. A special software, named the ‘Automated Question Paper Generating System,’ will be developed for this purpose. A committee investigating the leakage of question papers has been instructed to recommend exam reforms. The SCERT will also prepare guidelines to facilitate this transition. Based on these inputs, the education department aims to revamp the school examination system comprehensively.

The reform will apply to classes from upper primary to higher secondary levels. Using the new software, question papers will be made available to schools digitally only on the day of the exam. A unique security number will be required to access the papers, which will be released just a few hours before the exam. School authorities will then print the question papers and distribute them to students.

The plan also mandates the creation of question banks for all subjects. Teachers will be trained in the process of preparing question papers. Multiple sets of questions will be included in the bank, and one set will be randomly selected for each exam. Since multiple sets will be available, schools may receive different question papers for the same subject, helping to prevent leaks.

To ensure students understand the exam structure and subject material, question banks will be published in advance. The digital system is also expected to reduce the financial burden associated with the preparation, printing, and distribution of question papers.

Current procedure:

• Classes 1 to 7: Two sets of question papers are prepared through SSK workshops, with one set printed and sent to BRCs for distribution to schools.
• High school: Two sets of question papers are prepared by DIETs (District Institute of Education and Training). One set is printed by SSK and sent to BRCs, which distribute them to schools.
• Higher secondary: Model exam question papers are prepared through SCERT workshops, with two sets created. One set is printed at confidential presses and sent to district centers, where principals collect them.
• Public exams: Under SCERT’s supervision, five sets of question papers are prepared for plus two exams, and four sets for SSLC exams. These are printed confidentially and distributed to DEO offices for SSLC and to exam centers for plus two.