Ludhiana: The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has officially entered the digital age, launching its first-ever “on-screen marking” initiative for the evaluation of final board examinations.In a pilot programme that signals a major shift from traditional red-ink grading, the board has selected the Class 10 Social Science exam as the debut subject for digital assessment. The move is expected to streamline the results process, though it has sparked a mix of curiosity and “digital jitters” among staff and students alike.Training for the Digital TransitionTo ensure a smooth rollout, Social Science teachers across govt schools have been issued dummy answer sheets, instructional videos, and digital toolkits. The transition period follows a strict timeline. By March 11, teachers must complete the evaluation of dummy sheets and upload them to the central portal. On March 12, a dedicated technical team will hold a virtual workshop to resolve queries and technical glitches. Following the troubleshooting phase, the board will provide dedicated “evaluation centers” equipped with the necessary hardware to grade the actual examinations.Efficiency vs AnxietyEducation officials suggest the move is designed to minimise human error, prevent totaling mistakes, and significantly reduce the time between the final exam and the declaration of results. “We received guidance links and PPTs to help us navigate the portal,” said one Ludhiana-based social studies teacher. “It’s a cautious beginning, but we are hopeful the technology will make the process easier once the official evaluation starts.“However, the change has caused a stir among the student body. While some Class 10 students told reporters they trust the accuracy of a digital system, others expressed concern that a “screen-based” review might be less forgiving than a teacher’s manual check.A New Chapter for PSEBThe Social Science exam, conducted on March 6, will serve as the litmus test for the board’s technological ambitions. If successful, PSEB is expected to expand on-screen marking to all core subjects in the coming academic cycles. For now, teachers are awaiting final logistics on where the official digital grading hubs will be stationed across the district.
