New digital solution from Microsoft will help CBSE prevent paper leaks

The solution developed by the tech giant was successfully executed as a pilot project in the recently held Class X compartmental examinations, across 487 examination centers.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has entered into a strategic partnership with Microsoft India to digitally encrypt question papers for Class X and XII examinations. CBSE came under widespread criticism following the leak of question papers of Economics for class 12 and mathematics paper for class 10.

The solution developed by the tech giant was successfully executed as a pilot project in the recently held Class X compartmental examinations, across 487 examination centers. The solution was deployed by CBSE for seamless distribution of the question papers and to enhance security.

How does the solution work?

• Built on Windows 10, the solution leverages the Office 365 to add two-layered security to question papers.
• The overall process is automated using encryption and watermark feature supported by Office 365. The watermark has the individual center's code imprinted on it which allows for localization and traceability in the eventuality of a paper leak.
• A CBSE administrator initiates the distribution of exam papers, which results in the generation of emails to the respective centers with a link to One Drive where an exam paper, specific to the exam center can be downloaded.

"A strong education ecosystem is key to our nation's development and Microsoft and CBSE are deeply committed to digitally transform the sector. Innovative implementation of technology has the potential to solve some of the most pressing issues faced by the sector, commented Anil Bhansali, Corporate Vice President, Cloud & Enterprise, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Private Limited.

Furthermore, this digitization process saves significant time and cost for exam administrators due to online paper generation, automated delivery process and reduction in approval cycles, Microsoft India told in its press release.