No Flaw Found in Digital Answer Sheet Evaluation System: Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds University’s Online Assessment Process

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has upheld the digital answer-sheet evaluation system adopted by Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU), Jabalpur, while dismissing writ petitions filed by two students seeking revaluation of their examination papers. The Court held that the university’s technology-driven assessment mechanism was fair, transparent and reliable, and found no basis for judicial interference.

The petitions were filed by Premlata Tiwari, an M.Sc. Nursing student, and Amarjeet Bhardwaj, a BHMS student, who alleged that some of their answers had been marked correct by examiners but were not awarded corresponding marks. Dissatisfied with their results, both students sought revaluation and approached the High Court after obtaining copies of their answer sheets.

During the proceedings, the Court examined the university’s digital evaluation framework, which involves scanning answer sheets, anonymising candidates’ identities, and conducting dual assessments by independent evaluators through a secure online platform developed by Mindlogicx Infratech Limited. Under this system, the higher score awarded by either evaluator is considered for the final result.

To verify the students’ claims, the Court directed fresh evaluations by independent experts. The re-assessment revealed that the marks originally awarded were substantially accurate. In one case, the score remained nearly unchanged, while in the other, the student received even fewer marks than before.

Consequently, the Court concluded that the evaluation process was free from any significant defect and dismissed both petitions. However, it recommended improvements such as clearer digital annotations and greater use of touch-screen devices with stylus-based marking to enhance transparency and reduce confusion among students regarding awarded marks.