Prayagraj: The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is preparing to introduce digital evaluation of answer sheets in its forthcoming examinations, a move aimed at making assessment faster, more transparent and less prone to errors.The commission has already initiated the tendering process.According to sources, one of the key advantages of the digital evaluation system will be the reduction of subjectivity in assessing descriptive answers. At present, different subject experts may award varying marks to candidates for similar answers. Under the new system, an evaluator will assess the same question across answer sheets, while the computer screen will simultaneously display the candidate’s response and the model answer, splitting the screen into two halves. This is expected to bring greater consistency and balance to the awarding of marks.The system will also eliminate the possibility of errors in totalling marks. The software will automatically calculate the marks awarded for individual questions, reducing the chances of mistakes in the final score.The system will be hack-proof as it will operate on a dedicated, non-internet-based server. Answer sheets and evaluation records will be securely stored on the server, allowing access to a candidate’s records whenever required. Since the system will not be connected to the internet, it will also minimise the risk of external cyber threats.Moreover, the system will also ensure that no page, question or section of an answer sheet remains unchecked. The evaluator will not be able to move to the next screen until the particular question has been assessed, addressing instances in which questions or pages may have remained unevaluated in the conventional system.The system will also incorporate model answers and defined evaluation parameters to monitor the marks awarded by evaluators. If an evaluator awards unusually high marks despite an answer not meeting the prescribed criteria, the case may be flagged and referred to the head examiner. The marks will be finalised only after the evaluation is found satisfactory, with corrective measures taken wherever required.The source also said that a high-level safety audit of the system has already been conducted by a leading expert, while further evaluation by top experts is underway. Initially, the system will be implemented in a hybrid mode, combining offline and digital evaluation. The commission will shift fully to digital evaluation only after it is satisfied with the system’s accuracy and reliability.UPPSC secretary Girijesh Kumar Tyagi said the commission had already floated tenders three times for the proposed system and the process has now been initiated again.“As soon as the server is available, digital evaluation will be initiated, although initially in hybrid mode,” he said.So far, CBSE has adopted digital evaluation of answer sheets in class 12. UP Board has also decided to go with it, although on a trial basis, marking a shift towards technology-driven assessment when the copies of improvement exams will be digitally evaluated in the coming days.
