In a major push for greater openness in the evaluation system, the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board has issued a directive to preserve the answer sheets of intermediate practical examinations for a full year. This marks a significant shift from earlier practices where there was no fixed timeline for keeping these crucial documents.
New Guidelines for Exam Integrity
Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh has sent detailed instructions to all District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) regarding the new protocol. According to the order, examiners conducting the practical tests must now securely retain the practical answer sheets for one year and produce them for the board's scrutiny whenever asked. This move is anticipated to help resolve student disputes and allow for more thorough checks on the marking process.
The directive specifically applies to the upcoming Class 12 practical examinations scheduled from January 24 to February 9. At the intermediate level, students undertake practicals in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Home Science, with two separate practicals conducted per subject.
Enhanced Scrutiny and Anti-Corruption Measures
Alongside the preservation rule, the board has introduced several other measures to ensure fairness. A random audit of approximately 2 percent of schools conducting practicals will be carried out in each district. To maintain quality, examiners cannot handle more than two batches in a single day, with each batch capped at 40 students. Furthermore, marks for only 80 students per day can be uploaded to the online portal.
The board has also issued a stern warning against malpractice. Any attempt to influence the practical examinations through threats, inducement, obstruction, or force will invite strict action under the stringent Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. This act contains provisions for severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Student Support and Operational Details
In a supportive move for examinees, the board has activated helpdesks at its headquarters and all five regional offices. These helpdesks are designed to assist students appearing for both Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. They will address queries related to subjects, exam anxiety, stress, and other concerns through multiple channels, including mobile numbers, landlines, toll-free numbers, and email.
Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh stated that the helpdesks have been started well in advance to support students during their preparation phase and will remain operational until the exams conclude. Subject experts and counsellors are available, and any unresolved queries will be followed up with direct calls.
It is important to note the distinction in record-keeping: while the new rule mandates one-year preservation for practical exam sheets, the written examination answer sheets for High School and Intermediate are destroyed once the official scrutiny process is completed.
