Dec. 20: In a major reform of the examination process, Gauhati University (GU) has decided to introduce a system of allowing students to see their answerscripts if they are dissatisfied with their marks.

Vice-chancellor G.N. Talukdar has told the teachers’ bodies of different city-based colleges that the university will introduce the new system from the next academic session.

Talukdar, who was interacting with the principals and teachers on examination reforms a few days ago, revealed various other measures to streamline the system of evaluation of answerscripts.

Atwar Rahman, president of the GU Teachers’ Association, said suggestions has been given to the varsity authorities on allowing disgruntled examinees to see their answerscripts.

“The university can charge a fee from students who want to see their answerscripts. This will generate revenue and satisfy students who believe that they receive inadequate marks because of errors committed by examiners,” he said.

Under the existing system, the university appoints an examiner to tabulate the marks afresh in the event of a student applying for re-examination of his or her answerscripts.

Many students and parents have described this exercise as a futile one because of the lack of transparency. The Association of Indian Universities has recommended to all institutions to allow students access to their answerscripts if they are dissatisfied with their marks in various examinations. Sources said the GU administration would soon place the suggestion before the executive council.

A two-man inquiry committee probing the evaluation of answerscripts of degree examinations this year has made 10 recommendations. These include the introduction of a centralised evaluation system, early payment of remuneration to examiners, transparent distribution of extra papers at examination zones, an updated list of examiners and use of computers.

The GU administration will introduce the centralised examination system soon. Principals and teachers have assured the vice-chancellor that instead of taking answerscripts home for evaluation, they will go to the campus.

The university will pay all examiners for evaluation of answerscripts immediately after they complete their jobs.

The GU has decided to depute officials to distribute answerscripts to all colleges before examinations begin.

The university will also use computers to print marksheets from next year.