Bhaskar Exclusive: Digital fortification from printing press to exam center for Std. 10-12 papers

The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has set up a technology-based multi-layered security system to secure the Class 10 and 12 exams amid reports of paper leaks in various states of the country. The entire process has been digitally monitored from the moment the paper comes out of the printing press till it reaches the hands of the student. More than four lakh students from Saurashtra-Kutch, including Rajkot, are participating in the exam, which began on February 26 and will continue till March 18. The Board has implemented GPS tracking, digital lock and OTP based system in transportation from the printing press to the central zone to keep the papers safe. According to sources, the papers were delivered in three containers from the printing press to Rajkot Central Zone on February 13. Stickers were pasted on the truck and the number of the container to prevent the identity of the container from being revealed. GPS tracked every movement of the container. An OTP system was also put in place to open the container after reaching the central zone. The digital lock could be opened only after the OTP was generated by the board officer and then the seals of the container were broken and the papers were placed in the strong room in the presence of the board officer, DEO representative and police officer. Two-three days before the exam, the papers were sent from Rajkot Central Zone to Kutch, Surendranagar, Dhoraji, Upleta, Jamnagar and Rajkot zones with police protection. The papers are delivered to the centre on the exam day itself and the entire process is videographed. The biggest and most important thing is that the entire system has been arranged in such a way that no officer can escape responsibility if the paper is leaked. Exclusive 4 Important Security Measures Packets can be opened only after uploading photos to PATA Photographs from all sides of the packet are uploaded on PATA website before opening the main bunch at 9.30 am. Only then is the seal broken and the packet is opened. Before the exam starts, the signatures of two students are taken to ensure that the seal of the packet is intact. Tight security even after the exams are over After the completion of the examination, the answer sheets are placed in a cloth bag and sealed in three places. The papers are then collected at the DEO office and sent to Gandhinagar where they are further processed under CCTV.