Rajshahi University's paperless exams – how they work and what comes next

Rajshahi University has introduced a paperless examination system, becoming the first public university in Bangladesh to introduce such a system, according to university officials. The initiative is currently being tested in the Department of Information and Communication Engineering (ICE). 

What has RU introduced?

The system replaces conventional question papers and answer scripts with a digital platform. ICE's third-year students sat a tutorial examination through the system on September 30.

There are separate platforms for students, teachers and university administrators. Students can answer multiple-choice and short questions online and receive their results immediately after completing an examination, including information on incorrect answers, correct answers and explanations.

For teachers, the system includes a question bank, tools to prepare and conduct examinations, and automated assessment. Administrators can monitor examinations, store results and generate analytical reports. 

The system was developed under the supervision of Professor Md Hasnat Kabir, director of RU's ICT Centre and acting controller of examinations, by ICE students Omar Faruk and Samiul Basir.

What happens next?

RU plans to gradually introduce the system in other departments, depending on how successfully the pilot performs, said Professor Hasnat Kabir. Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Faridul Islam said the university is gradually bringing its activities under automation to reduce difficulties for students.

Why could it matter?

The biggest potential gains are speed and efficiency. Automated marking can reduce teachers' evaluation workload, while results can be processed immediately instead of requiring days or weeks.

A digital record can also make examination administration easier: question banks can be maintained centrally, results stored electronically and performance analysed more easily. It could reduce paper, printing, physical storage and the logistical burden of handling thousands of answer scripts.

For students, instant feedback could make examinations more useful as a learning tool rather than simply an assessment.

But there are risks

A paperless system also makes technology part of the examination itself. A network failure, power interruption, device problem or software malfunction could disrupt an exam.

There are also questions about cybersecurity, data privacy and examination integrity. Digital systems need safeguards against unauthorised access, cheating and manipulation of questions or results.

Another challenge is accessibility. Every student must have adequate computer skills and access to reliable equipment. 

How other universities in the world are doing it

Newcastle University in the UK says its digital exams service now supports more than half of its examinations, with security measures including locked-down devices and backup arrangements. 

The OECD also documents digital assessment systems in countries including Denmark, Estonia and Finland, while noting different approaches to security, infrastructure and offline operation. 

Cambridge International also delivered its first live digital examinations through an early-adopter programme in 2026. 

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences in Finland allow students to take electronic exams in centrally controlled, camera-monitored exam rooms. Since October 2025, students have also been able to sit supervised exams using their own laptops under its Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system.