Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Saturday conducted a fully paperless postgraduate semester examination, becoming the first university in Kashmir to introduce a completely digital examination system at the postgraduate level.
A total of 150 postgraduate students appeared in a tablet-based examination for the course Statistical Methods for Applied Sciences, replacing the conventional pen-and-paper mode with a secure digital platform.
The initiative is part of the University’s efforts to modernise academic administration through technology-driven and sustainable practices. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai described the examination as a significant milestone in SKUAST-K’s digital transformation journey and said the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to building a future-ready academic ecosystem.
“This transition is not merely about replacing paper with digital devices. It is about preparing our students for a technology-driven future while making academic processes more transparent, efficient and environmentally responsible,” he said.
The examination was conducted under the supervision of Controller of Examinations Prof. K.N. Qaisar, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, and Head, Division of Agricultural Statistics, Prof. Imran Khan, who oversaw its implementation in accordance with academic standards and data security protocols.
The on-site examination process was monitored by Dr. Aziz Mujtaba Aezum, Dr. M. Iqbal Jeelani and Dr. Immad A. Shah, who managed classroom operations, technical support and student facilitation.
The University had earlier introduced paperless examinations for undergraduate end-term examinations, and the successful rollout at the postgraduate level marks another step towards fully digitising its evaluation system.
According to the University, the digital platform reduces paper consumption, printing requirements and physical storage while enabling secure digital distribution of question papers, encrypted submission of answer scripts and faster evaluation, facilitating quicker declaration of results.
To ensure examination integrity, the platform operates in a secure locked environment that prevents access to external resources during the examination. It also maintains digital audit trails through automated timestamps and activity logs to enhance transparency and accountability.
The system is also expected to familiarise students with computer-based assessments, helping them prepare for competitive examinations such as ICAR-NET, GATE, CSIR-UGC NET and the Civil Services Examination. It also includes accessibility features such as adjustable font sizes and enhanced screen visibility.
The University said it plans to gradually extend the paperless examination system to all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as part of its ongoing digital transformation initiatives.
