BENGALURU: Following heavy criticism for paper leaks during the recent board examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) entered into a tie-up with Microsoft India to provide encrypted question papers and claims it has successfully carried out a pilot project in the recent class 10 compartmental exams. The new system which is likely to be followed for all board exams from this year enables the Controller of Examination to track the entire process using a software solution built on Windows 10 and Office 365.
Exam papers would be available for downloads only at the examination centres 30 minutes prior to start time. Each question paper will carry the watermark of the individual centre code, which allows officials for localisation and treaceability in case a paper leak occurs. CBSE officials said the new process helps in cutting costs for exam administrators as the question papers are generated online.
“The automated delivery process and reduction of approval cycles add to the list of advantages along with the digital route contributing towards saving significant time,” an official said. Commenting on the development Mansoor Ali Khan, management board member of Delhi Public Group of Schools said this would help make exams fool-proof and minimize all chances of malpractices. “Using such technology for the benefits in conducting large-scale exams is equally beneficial for the officials and the students. All schools and exam centres are now equipped with these facilities to whole-heartedly welcome and put this initiative to practice,” he said.
Commenting on the partnership Anil Bhansali, Corporate Vice President, Cloud & Enterprise, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Private Limited said the partnership would lead to a digital transformation of the education ecosystem. “Innovative implementation of technology has the potential to solve some of the most pressing issues faced by the sector. The success of this partnership with CBSE is proof of that potential,” he said.
