App-based attendance system for students soon?

Bengaluru: The Department of School Education and Literacy is preparing to introduce an app-based attendance system for students in government and aided schools across Karnataka. A proposal has already been submitted to the state government, and if approved, traditional roll-call attendance in schools will be replaced with a digital system.

The initiative, which is being tested in one government school in each district, has been successful. The department is eager to expand the app-based system statewide. Officials believe that this method will not only improve attendance but also enhance the overall quality of education.

For Teachers Too?

There are also discussions about extending this system to record teachers’ attendance through either the app or a biometric system. The department is considering implementing geo-fencing technology to ensure accurate attendance tracking.

Currently, students from classes 1 to 9 cannot be failed in examinations. However, students in Class 10 must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance to be eligible to appear for the SSLC exams. Since attendance is not strictly enforced in lower grades, many students develop a habit of irregularity, which affects them in Class 10. The app-based system aims to create early awareness about the importance of attendance, thus fostering discipline among younger students.

Real-Time Attendance Tracking

The Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS), which is in place now, has several shortcomings. The number of students enrolled in schools often does not match the actual attendance. The new app-based system is expected to address this issue, allowing real-time attendance monitoring.

“The app-based attendance system has proven to be successful in pilot trials. It offers 100% accuracy, and the Education Minister has taken a keen interest in ensuring its implementation. If the government approves the proposal, we will soon see this system in all government and aided schools in the state,” said Ritesh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, the Department of School Education and Literacy.