UP B Ed entrance today, many suspected candidates identified

LUCKNOW: A day before UP B Ed joint entrance exam, the University of Lucknow (LU), which is conducting the exam, on Thursday claimed to have identified close to 500 suspected candidates by using for the first time an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software to scan through the information provided in application forms.

More than five lakh candidates are expected to appear in the exam to be held across the state on Friday.

As per the university authorities, the AI-based system will help ensure cheating free examination. The new measures were used on the suggestion of the state government.

“People involved in gangs that facilitate cheating become active at the time of these exams. We have tried to eliminate the possibility of cheating using AI based technology,” said LU spokesman Durgesh Srivastav.

The management used the technology to identify applications which appear to be of same candidates but are filed from different districts. “This is done to enable solvers to appear in place of the candidate. Our software has identified close 500 such applications. These suspected candidates will be under close scrutiny when they appear in the exam on Friday,” said Srivastav. He added that it had been decided not to make the list of suspected candidates public at this stage.

Unlike previous years, exam centres have been set up in all 75 UP district to ensure that candidates don’t have to travel long distances.

The exam was rescheduled more than three times due to the Covid situation.

The organisers have asked candidates to arrive at their respective exam centres wearing masks and ensure following all Covid-19 protocols.

Covid-19 kits, including gloves and masks, will also be provided to candidates at each exam centre. The exam will be held in two shifts of three hours each.

People involved in gangs that facilitate cheating become active at the time of these exams. We have tried to curb cheating DURGESH SRIVASTAVA, LU spokesman