Several CBSE schools in the city have decided to use OMR sheets for their internal exams for Classes X and XII so students could practise for the board exams.
The CBSE had earlier said that the November-December term 1 exams would have multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and students would have to answer on OMR sheets. The schools are waiting for all details of the exam, several heads said.
OMR or optical mark recognition is used for MCQ papers, where a student has to shade one circle, which he or she thinks is the correct answer, among a group of circles placed horizontally for every question.
Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Indus Valley World School, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Delhi Public School Ruby Park and North Point Senior Secondary Boarding Schools have decided to use OMR sheets.
Students at Mahadevi Birla World Academy wrote the first exam on OMR on Tuesday. On Monday, the school had sent them videos on filling in the sheets.
“We have to familiarise students because this is new to them. If they do not follow the sequence, there is a possibility that the exam can go haywire,” said Anjana Saha, principal, Mahadevi Birla World Academy.
Indus Valley World School has decided to have both MCQ and long answers in the school exams. The MCQ will have to be answered on OMR sheets.
“Students have never marked an OMR. Given the gravity of a board exam, we would like them to be completely confident,” said Amita Prasad, director, Indus Valley World School.
The online medium has led to a disconnect among students. “They might know the answer but, without practice, make a mistake in filling the right circle,” said Rita Chatterjee, director, North Point Senior Secondary Boarding Schools.
Students will write the exams from home. The schools will send the OMR sheets online and students have to download and print them out.
