WBJEE 2014 may use biometric system to deter impersonation

New Delhi: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination or WBJEE 2014 may use high-tech biometric system to deter impersonation incidents. Ideated by the WBJEE Chairman Bhaskar Gupta, the biometric system project was launched in 2012 originally. However, shortage of time and unavailability of vendors made it difficult to implement the project successfully. This time, however, the board has decided to prepare for it much in advance.

In the last few years, the board has received several complaints about another person appearing in WBJEE as a candidate to help the candidate crack the exam. Hence, it decided to use the latest technology to curb such practices in WBJEE 2014.

Biometric machines are quite expensive. They are priced at Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 and carry warranty of just one year. Foreign-made machines, often used in banks, cost around Rs 14,000 to Rs 15,000.

The West Bengal JEE has around 350 examination centres, which means the board will have to spend about Rs 24 lakh to put the system in place.

Biometric system data will also be used to identify a candidate during counselling and at the time of admission.

West Bengal JEE Board may also set up an exam centre in Port Blair in 2014 as there is a sizeable Bengali population in Andaman. Last year, it has introduced a new examination centre in Silchar.

WBJEE 2014 will be held on April 19 and 20, 2014.
This post was written by Aditya Singhal, managing director of askIITians.