Encryption, QR codes among anti-leak steps

NEWDELHI: An expert panel set up by the Union human resource development (Hrd)ministry has recommended shortening and bifurcating the CBSE board exam season, encrypting and using centre-specific quick response (QR) codes on question papers in a bid to prevent a repeat of this year’s leak of the Class 12 economics and Class 10 mathematics papers.

The panel’s report, which HT has seen, also sought to do away with variations in marking schemes and moderation practices f ollowed by different boards. HT had first reported on the recommendations of the panel on June 4.

The panel, headed by former HRD secretary VS Oberoi and comprising seven others, was given the task of reviewing all aspects related to security checks built in the board exam system to ensure question papers reach examinees without leaks or being tampered.

The committee was asked to assess potential points of weakness in the present system of transporting question papers from the printing presses to the examination halls. The recommendations will now be considered by the HRD ministry with no specific time frame for taking a decision. “CBSE should consider the feasibility of providing encrypted question papers electronically to exam centres for centre-based printing in a decentralized mode to minimise the scope for undesirable interventions and leakage,” its report said.