Tribhuvan University to Check Entrance Exam Answer Sheets by Machine for the First Time

कात्तिक १३, २०८२ १२:३८

Kathmandu: Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Science and Technology (IOST) is set to check entrance exam answer sheets using an Optical Mark Reader (OMR) machine for the first time. The system will be used for the entrance exams of BSc CSIT and BIT, scheduled for 8 and 15 November.

Assistant Dean of IOST, Dr. Mahendra Maharjan, said the machine is being used on a trial basis to test its efficiency. He told TechPana, “Until now, we have been checking answer sheets manually. However, since this is a science and technology-related institute, we have decided to start using OMR from this year.”

For now, only BSc CSIT and BIT answer sheets will be checked using the machine. The institute plans to expand the system to other subjects gradually. “We are using a borrowed machine this year. If the trial goes well, the institute will purchase its own next year to check all subjects’ answer sheets using OMR,” he said.

Previously, manually checked results took about two days to publish. With the OMR system, results can be released on the same day. The entrance exam form submission deadline for BSc CSIT, which has 3,000 seats, and BIT, which has 600 seats, was set for October. A total of 7,500 students have applied for BSc CSIT and 2,500 for BIT, all of whom will use the OMR answer sheet for the first time.

What Is an OMR Machine?

An Optical Mark Reader (OMR) is an automated technology that reads marked answers on paper-based sheets. It is typically used for evaluating multiple-choice questions.

The answer key is first scanned and stored in the system. Then, as the machine scans the answer sheets, it detects which option (A, B, C, or D) the student selected and compares it with the correct answer. It automatically calculates each student’s score and produces the results.

Each OMR sheet carries a barcode number, allowing the machine to identify it accurately.

Dr. Maharjan said the system will help reduce human error and save time. “Earlier, several staff had to be deployed to check answer sheets immediately after exams, which also carried a risk of bias. Now, the machine will check all answer sheets accurately within a single day,” he said.

However, he also warned that the system can only read answers if the bubbles are properly filled, meaning students must be careful while marking.

Things to Remember While Filling OMR Answer Sheets

Make sure your answer sheet has a barcode and check its number.
Use a ball pen. Gel pens may smudge and damage the sheet.
Write your symbol number clearly and fill the corresponding bubbles. The machine reads only the bubbled number.
Mark the correct question set before starting.
Completely blacken the correct circle, do not half-fill, tick, cross, or checkmark.
Avoid filling multiple circles for one question; the machine will count it as invalid.
Keep circles neat and within the border lines.
Do not fold, twist, or rough on the answer sheet.
Avoid placing it under your question paper while doing rough work.