Karnataka's cautious first step towards digital evaluation for board exams

Following the example set by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) is planning to introduce digital evaluation of answer scripts for the SSLC and II PU examinations. However, the board is proceeding cautiously, opting for a phased rollout to avoid the pitfalls encountered elsewhere.

The KSEAB already provides digital mark sheets and digital transfer certificates (TCs) to students who have cleared SSLC and II PU. Digital evaluation is seen as the next logical step to declare results earlier, reducing the long waiting periods that students and parents currently face.

In the first phase, digital evaluation will be tested on examinations with fewer than 5,000 candidates, such as the Karnataka State Open School Examination, Drawing Grade Examination, and Computer Education Examination. Only after these trials prove successful will the board consider extending the system to the large-scale SSLC and II PU examinations.

The scale of these exams is significant. Every year, about 8 lakh students appear for SSLC and about 6.5 lakh for II PU across the State. Currently, thousands of teachers are deputed to evaluate answer sheets manually, a process that takes months to complete.

The cautious approach stems in part from issues that surfaced with CBSE's digital evaluation system for Class 12 answer sheets, which was introduced last year and drew criticism over reported discrepancies. In this context, the State government has instructed KSEAB to consider digital evaluation but with due care and attention to reliability.

The proposed system works by scanning all answer sheets and uploading them to a computer. Each evaluator is given a unique login ID and password and is allocated a certain number of answer sheets. The evaluator logs in, evaluates the answers, and enters the marks directly into the system.

Speaking to The Hindu, Prakash G.T. Nittali, Chairperson of KSEAB, said: “As per the government’s instructions, digital evaluation is being considered with a discussion on the pros and cons. A proposal will be submitted to the government after reviewing the cost, technology and other issues involved in this project.”

An official from KSEAB also highlighted the technical challenges. In competitive exams, scanning OMR sheets is straightforward, but board exam answer sheets are different. “We have about 25 pages of answer sheets per subject. It is a big challenge to scan and upload such a large number of answer sheets without missing any page and evaluate them,” the official said.

The phased approach reflects the board's intention to ensure the system is robust before it is deployed at scale. By first testing on smaller examinations, KSEAB hopes to identify and resolve potential problems, making the eventual transition smoother for millions of students.