Secret QR codes, computerised logos, and specialised colour coding system on the answer sheets are some of the measures which the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP or UP Board) has adopted for the first time to tackle the so-called “copying mafia” in the state.
The UP Board will conduct its class 10 and 12 examinations for the academic year at 8,264 centres spread across the 75 districts between February 22 and March 9, in which around 55,08,206 students are registered to appear. They include 29,47,324 high school students (15,71,686 boys and 13,75,638 girls) and 25,60,882 intermediate students (14,12,806 boys and 11,48,076 girls). The examinations would be held in two shifts: 8.30am to 11.45am and 2pm to 5.15pm.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath last year termed the “copying mafia” the “biggest enemy” of society. “Before 2017, the UP Board was infamous for ‘nakal’ (use of unfair means) and our government made it copying-free. The copying mafia is the biggest enemy of society, and it should be boycotted by society, as it makes the educational institutions ‘apavitra’ (impure) by indulging in copying. The administration should also act tough against the copying mafia,” he said at an event to felicitate meritorious students.
Other than making the best possible use of technology to make answer sheets “copying proof”, the UP Board has also decided to introduce computerised identity cards bearing unique QR codes and serial numbers for the invigilators this time. Officials said the newly introduced changes would play a crucial role in keeping the “copying mafia” at bay and to ensure fair board examinations in the country’s most populous state.
Mahendra Dev, director of secondary education, Uttar Pradesh, said, “Many changes have been done this time to make the entire UP Board examination, a ‘copying-free affair’. This time the board has introduced special colour coding on the answer sheets, which have been printed in four different shades that are different from the ones used last year. Also, the QR code on the answer sheets and other codings have been introduced this time which would surely ensure fair examinations.”
UP Board secretary Divyakant Shukla also confirmed that computerised identity cards will be issued to invigilators. “This ID card will be different from the regular ones. It will be a computerised ID card, bearing a QR code and a serial number that would not only ensure its uniqueness but also keep a check on cases where copying mafia often impersonate invigilators.”
Officials with the UP Board said that as per the set norms, the district inspector of schools (DIOS) of each district would download these identity cards from the official portal of the board a week before the formal start of the exams including details of allotted examination centres where an invigilator has been deployed and would hand them over to the right people.
Other than the unique ID and QR codes, officials said that these cards would also display the teaching subject of the invigilator. Around 2.75 lakh exam room invigilators who would be on duty this year would get these identity cards, informed officials.
Sources said that three master trainers have been appointed for each of the 75 districts of the state, to provide detailed information related to the examinations to the centre to the district authorities and to provide training on important subjects such as preventing cheating, maintaining order, ensuring the security of question papers, and maintenance of answer sheets.
The UP Board has also launched district helplines with two-member cells each from February 15 until the conclusion of the exams to keep students stress-free. “In order to provide counselling to students in classes 10 and 12 and assist them in coping with the mental strain and stress of board examinations, as well as to address any related queries and complaints, helpline numbers have been activated,” a board official said.
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