In a significant move to enhance transparency and curb malpractices, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has announced it will live webcast its entire answer script evaluation process. This initiative, a first for the university, aims to bring unprecedented openness to the post-examination phase, directly addressing long-standing concerns from students and stakeholders.
A Tech-Driven Push for Transparency
The decision was confirmed by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. B. E. Rangaswamy. The university plans to implement this system starting with the current odd-semester examinations for the academic year 2024-25. The core idea is to install live-streaming cameras at all designated evaluation centers across the state. This feed will be made accessible to the public, allowing anyone to witness how examiners assess answer scripts in real-time.
The primary goal is to eliminate any possibility of unethical practices during the evaluation, a concern that has surfaced periodically. By opening the process to virtual scrutiny, VTU hopes to build greater trust in its assessment system. The move is seen as a direct response to demands for more accountability in how marks are awarded, especially for a university that governs hundreds of affiliated colleges.
Logistics and Implementation Plan
The logistics for this ambitious project are being finalized. VTU will identify specific halls within its evaluation centers where the assessment will be conducted under camera surveillance. The live webcast will be hosted on the university's official website or a dedicated portal. Authorities are working on the technical infrastructure to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted stream that covers the evaluation halls comprehensively.
This initiative is part of a broader suite of reforms VTU is undertaking to modernize its examination and evaluation mechanisms. The university has faced criticism in the past over delays in result declarations and inconsistencies in evaluation. The live webcast is expected to act as a self-regulating mechanism for evaluators, ensuring they adhere strictly to the answer key and marking scheme provided by the university.
Expected Impact and Student Reactions
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from student bodies. Many welcome the step as a bold move towards fair play. "If implemented effectively, this can remove a lot of doubt from students' minds about whether their papers were evaluated properly," said a representative from a VTU student union. The transparency is expected to reduce the number of revaluation requests, as students will have more faith in the initial process.
However, some academics have raised concerns about the pressure it might put on evaluators, potentially slowing down the process. The university assures that the focus will be on fair assessment, not speed. This tech intervention is poised to set a new benchmark for examination transparency in Indian state universities, particularly in Karnataka's higher education sector.
The success of this pilot during the odd-semester exams will determine if VTU extends it to all future examinations. The university administration is confident that this digital leap will significantly strengthen the integrity of its evaluation system, making it a model for others to follow.
