OMR sheets for NTSE, NMMS exams

BANGALORE: Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets have been introduced this year in order to minimise errors during evaluation of National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) and National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS). The answer sheets would be scanned during evaluation, as against the earlier method of manual correction. “The objective is to have error-free evaluation. Although there was a double-key method before, the element of human error persisted. This will ensure transparency in evaluation,” said Senior Assistant Director of Public Instruction of NTSE M V Krishnamurthy. Students are required to shade their answers on the OMR answer sheets, so that the correct answer would be recognised by the scanning machine. “We wanted to have prior demonstrations, which was not possible as students are from all over the state,” he said. He added that instructions were provided on the application forms and exam supervisors had been briefed about it. 48,882 candidates in the state will attempt the NTSE on November 20, while  the NMMS will be written by 63,207 students. “Our target this year was 1,50,000. We are happy with the turnout nevertheless. Many parents and students are still unaware of NTSE and NMMS. Also, delay in scholarships has demotivated some students from attempting the examination,” he said.