Keyless locks, app tracking introduced to safeguard confidential test materials

Kolkata: The West Bengal College Service Commission (WBCSC) has introduced advanced technological measures to safeguard confidential exam materials during transportation for the upcoming 26th State Eligibility Test (SET), scheduled for December 15, Sunday.

According to a WBCSC official, the traditional lock and key system has been replaced with a modern, password-based keyless lock system for the trunks carrying confidential test materials. The official explained that specific codes for opening these trunks will be shared with authorised persons at the exam centres just in time before the exam starts. Additionally, the trunks will be tracked via GPS through an app during transportation, ensuring they reach the exam centres and return with the test materials safely. 

The Commission has also strengthened measures to prevent malpractices such as question paper leaks or forgery. For the first time, QR codes have been embedded in both the admit cards and the question booklets.

Scanning the QR code on the admit card will verify the candidate’s identity, while the QR code on each page of the question paper will allow for quick identification if a leak occurs. The unique serial number embedded in these QR codes will help authorities trace any compromised material to the individual responsible.

“Each question paper will have a unique serial number embedded in QR codes on various places on every page. If a paper or parts of it get leaked, the QR code will reveal the serial number. Since candidates must write the question booklet serial number on their OMR sheet, it will be easy to trace the source of any leaked paper,” said an official. Additionally, the question booklet packets will be opened in the exam hall to ensure transparency.

This year, the SET will be held in 33 subjects across 87 centres in 23 districts, with a total of 58,867 candidates registered to appear.

The exam will be held in two parts, Paper I from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and Paper II from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.