Mahatma Gandhi University will switch to online evaluation of answer scripts from March next.
The computer-based evaluation of the answer scripts of the fourth-semester undergraduate students will mark the beginning of the use of technology to ensure an error-free process that would also make information retrieval effective and easier.
“The answer scripts will be uploaded to a dedicated server at the data centre of the university. The barcoding and scanning of answer scripts will be done at select centres by ensuring secrecy and maintaining transparency,” said R. Pragash, Syndicate member and convener of its examination subcommittee.
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Teachers can access the answer scripts in the computers available at their own institutions using a special ID and password. Dr. Pragash said the marks awarded would be totalled automatically by the system.
The online evaluation process would curb malpractices and help the varsity announce results in record time, he said.
The online evaluation would be extended to postgraduate exams in the second stage. The authorities pointed out that having a soft copy of each answer script would cut the time for publication of results for which the students had applied for revaluation, they said.
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The varsity will provide the answer scripts for revaluation online to the evaluators from March. The decision forms part of implementing a directive by the University Grants Commission (UGC) asking universities to bring out clear guidelines detailing the procedure prescribed by it for re-evaluation.
The paperless initiative is expected to help the varsity to complete the revaluation process in record time. The smart process has a green advantage, as the authorities need not take photocopies of the answer scripts as part of the revaluation process.
The UGC circular on revaluation pointed out that the Central Information Commission had advised the Union Human Resource Development Ministry to instruct universities to suo motu bring out guidelines for re-evaluation of answer sheets.