By Jayanth R

Copyright thehindu

In a significant examination reform, the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) is planning to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to set question papers and evaluate the answer sheets for engineering courses.

This is to bring uniformity in the question paper and evaluation system of engineering courses across the State, said S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of VTU.

“Three to four companies and some research scholars have come forward to help in implementing AI technology in the question paper setting and evaluation system of engineering courses and they have given demos too. After studying these and getting a report on whether the processes are carried out properly, steps will be taken to implement them in our university,” he said.

Why this initiate

AI tech adaptation is the next step for VTU, which has already adopted the digital evaluation system. Answer sheets are scanned and evaluated by teachers through computers, which has helped in giving quick results.

However, evaluation is still not fool-proof. For instance, during evaluation, there can be huge differences between the marks given by two evaluators for the same answer. As per VTU rules, an evaluator can be penalised only when the difference in marks between two evaluators is over 15.

In addition, although the university has implemented several guidelines regarding the setting of question papers, many differences have been identified in the pattern of papers set by different individuals.

VTU hopes that employing AI tools would help bring uniformity in the setting of question paper and evaluation system. “AI is a tool of the next generation in all the sectors,” said Mr. Vidyashankar, adding that the process is in experimental stage.

Some roadblocks

Some private universities have already adopted AI technology to set question paper and evaluate answer sheets for MBA course, but it has not been completely successful. Question papers can be easily set through AI technology, but not as easy in evaluation process, said the Vice-Chancellor.

“If we give the syllabus and framework, question paper can be set by AI. However, there is a big challenge in implementing AI in evaluation system. We will test it in supplementary exam and only if it is 100% successful will we adopt it. We need another year to come to a concrete decision on this,” he added.