Why is WBSSC Focusing on OMR Sheet Preservation?
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Synopsis
Discover how the WBSSC is enhancing the integrity of their recruitment process by focusing on the preservation of OMR sheets and their scanned versions. This significant move comes after previous lapses led to the cancellation of a major recruitment panel. Stay informed on the latest developments in education recruitment.
Key Takeaways
- OMR sheets will be preserved for at least two years.
- Scanned copies will be stored for a minimum of 10 years.
- Recruitment panel validity remains at one year.
- Increased focus on transparency and integrity in recruitment.
- Scheduled written examination in the first week of September.
Kolkata, May 30 (NationPress) The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has placed significant importance on the preservation of hard copies of optical mark recognition sheets required for the written examination, as well as the retention of scanned copies or mirror images of these OMR sheets. This announcement comes in light of the recent notifications regarding the recruitment of teaching staff for secondary and higher secondary sections in state-run schools, made public on Friday.
The written examination for these new recruitments is scheduled for the first week of September.
In a notable change, the hard copies of the OMR sheets will now be kept for a minimum of two years, increasing from the previous one-year retention period. This update follows the Supreme Court's cancellation of the entire 2016 recruitment batch last month.
Moreover, the scanned copies or mirror images of the OMR sheets will be stored on the WBSSC server for a duration of at least 10 years. The validity of the recruitment panel will remain at one year, with the potential for a six-month extension if deemed necessary.
A state education department official explained that the increased focus on preserving the hard copies and scanned versions of the OMR sheets stems from the court proceedings regarding the irregularities in the recruitment process of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching positions. These lapses were first examined at the Calcutta High Court and subsequently at the Supreme Court.
Previously, the original OMR sheets were disposed of a mere year after the examination date, contrary to the standard practice of retaining them for at least three years. Additionally, the commission failed to keep scanned copies or mirror images, and even outsourced the evaluation and preservation work instead of utilizing its own resources.
These oversights made it nearly impossible to differentiate between “genuine” and “tainted” candidates, leading to the cancellation of the entire panel by both the Calcutta High Court and the apex court.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the WBSSC's commitment to transparency and integrity in the recruitment process. The focus on preserving OMR sheets is a necessary step to restore public trust and ensure fairness for all candidates in the competitive education sector.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OMR sheets?
OMR sheets, or Optical Mark Recognition sheets, are used to capture responses in written examinations by allowing optical scanners to read marked answers.
Why is the WBSSC emphasizing preservation?
The WBSSC is emphasizing preservation to prevent past irregularities and ensure the integrity of the recruitment process, following a Supreme Court ruling.
How long will the OMR sheets be preserved?
The hard copies of OMR sheets will be preserved for at least two years, while scanned versions will be retained for a minimum of ten years.
What led to the cancellation of the previous recruitment panel?
The cancellation was due to significant lapses in the preservation and evaluation processes, making it difficult to identify genuine candidates.
When will the next written examination take place?
The next written examination for fresh recruitment is scheduled for the first week of September.
