NIOS rolls out ‘digital question paper’ delivery system to strengthen exam integrity

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has rolled out a digital and centre-specific question paper delivery system to strengthen exam integrity for April and May 2026 public exams.

The new distribution system includes a time-locked access feature, ensuring that question papers become available only at the scheduled time simultaneously across all centres.

According to the official NIOS statement, the initiative aims to address challenges associated with the traditional system, including logistical delays, transit risks, and limited real-time monitoring.

The online QP distribution process will also enable “seamless coordination” and maintain an overall digital audit trail for improved oversight.

NIOS will conduct Class 10th and 12th theory exams 2026 from April 10 to May 6 across the country.

The initiative has been undertaken under the guidance and leadership of the NIOS chairman, Akhilesh Mishra, who emphasises using technology to ensure transparency, efficiency, and integrity in exams.

NIOS Digital Questions Papers: Two-factor authentication

Under the new system, question papers for all theory exams will be delivered through the NIOS examination portal to more than 1,600 centres across the country. Each centre will be provided with login credentials secured through two-factor authentication (2FA).

The 2FA will ensure that access shall remain restricted to authorised personnel only.

Notably, a key feature of the new system is its time-locked access mechanism, wherein QPs will only be available at the scheduled time, that is, 1 pm on the exam day, ensuring uniform and simultaneous access across all exam centres.

Furthermore, each question paper will be “dynamically watermarked” with the exam centre’s name and code, making every document unique and traceable.

Once the QPs are downloaded and printed at the exam centres as per prescribed guidelines, they will be distributed to candidates, maintaining strict examination protocols.

“Aligned with the vision of Digital India and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this initiative reinforces NIOS’s commitment to adopting technology-driven solutions to ensure fairness, transparency, and reliability in examinations, the official NIOS statement reads.