Artificial Intelligence to evaluate answer sheets in Telangana Soon

Artificial Intelligence will soon judge the intelligence of students in Telangana, where the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) is contemplating the first-of-its-kind use of an AI-based system for evaluating answer scripts of diploma students.

In the new system, computer-based evaluation will be done by matching keywords in the answer script with the answer key using AI. The computer picks up the correct answers and awards the marks on the basis of the key.

“For every question paper, the Board prepares the answer key for evaluation. After the exams, the answer scripts are scanned and stored in the server. Using the answer key and AI, the answer scripts will be evaluated. Given the dearth of regular teachers, this new system could come in handy for the Board,” officials said.

The Board is also looking into the possible issues that could



crop up during AI-based evaluation like handwriting, how to go about mathematical problems and solutions and engineering drawings among others.

“These issues were discussed during meetings and we are looking into how to resolve them,” officials said. The proposed system, which is in planning stage, is likely to take shape and come into force soon for at least a few subjects to start with.

Presently, the Board is using an on-screen evaluation system for evaluating answer scripts of diploma students every semester. As part of this evaluation system, after completion of the exams, answer scripts of the students are scanned and stored in a server. Using a user ID and password, teachers concerned can evaluate the answer scripts on the computer and award marks. Before the introduction of onscreen evaluation, the answer scripts were evaluated manually in the colleges or evaluation camps.