OSSTET, Matric exam question paper safety; Odisha BSE switches to digital locking system

In a noteworthy move to enhance the security of examination papers, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Odisha has introduced digital locks for transporting question papers.

The digital locking system will be used for the upcoming OSSTET exam and subsequently during the conduct of the Matriculation Examination 2025.

Odisha BSE Vice-President Nihar Ranjan Mohanty on Wednesday informed that question papers would be distributed to 183 centres using these digital security measures.

Also Read: 2025 Odisha matric exam schedule released; details inside

The digital lock system is set to be tested first with the Odisha Secondary School Teacher Eligibility Test (OSSTET).

Mohanty informed that the question papers will be sent from the BSE in a tin box and subsequently digital locks will be used. The digital locks can be opened in three ways- centrally, using a password and chip.

Watermarks and QR Codes

Additionally, this year will see the introduction of water-marked and QR-coded question papers in the matriculation or the class 10 board exams. This innovative approach involves marking each paper with distinctive identifiers, which become visible upon photographing or scanning with mobile devices. 

These marks will include details such as the candidate's information, centre, and examination hall.

Also Read: Odisha matric question papers to get barcodes & watermarks

The decision to employ this watermark system came after extensive consultations with firms experienced in printing secure examination papers nationwide. 

Approved by the board's examination management committee, this measure aims to prevent incidents of question papers going viral. Odisha BSE President Srikant Tarai anticipates that the integration of watermarking will effectively deter paper leaks.

In further steps to ensure a secure examination environment, all test centres will be equipped with live-streaming CCTV cameras. The feeds from these cameras will be continuously monitored from a central command office by a team of 20 experts, ensuring adherence to security protocols throughout the examination process, according to the Vice-President.