LU revamps exam evaluation system

Lucknow: Lucknow University has announced reforms in its examination evaluation system aimed at improving transparency, fairness and consistency in marking answer sheets.The initiative introduces step marking, structured evaluation guidelines and stricter monitoring mechanisms for examiners.Under the new system, subjective answers and essay like questions will be assessed step by step, allowing students to receive marks for each correct point even if the final answer is not fully accurate. The university believes this will ensure that genuine effort is not ignored during evaluation.Vice-chancellor Prof JP Saini said, “The reform has been designed in the interest of students and to remove inconsistencies in marking, the introduction of step marking and a structured evaluation system is a student-centric decision that will ensure fairness, uniformity and accurate reflection of student performance.”The reform also includes the appointment of head examiners and deputy head examiners in each subject to maintain uniformity. These officials will prepare model answers and key points before evaluation begins, which will guide all examiners during marking.In addition, a system of random checking of answer sheets will be implemented to ensure accountability. The university has also revised the evaluation process by increasing bundle sizes from 25 copies to 50 copies and introducing centralized handling of answer scripts to reduce manual errors.“Each examiner will be required to evaluate a fixed number of copies daily with minimum 50 copies and evaluation centres will begin functioning early in the morning to ensure timely completion of results,” said Saini.