Govt. school in Kulgam hosts OMR-Based interschool competition for grades 4 & 5

July 31, 2025 by News Desk

Danishwar Hameed

In a pioneering stride toward modernizing primary-level assessments, Government Primary School Ganaie Mohalla Pariwan held an innovative OMR-based interschool competition specifically designed for Grades 4 and 5.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from 17 schools across the region, positioning the school at the forefront of integrating technology-driven learning and evaluation methods in early education.

Centered around competency-based learning, the competition tested students in core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English, using multiple-choice questions that emphasized conceptual understanding over rote memorization. The primary goal was to introduce students to Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology, often reserved for secondary and higher-level examinations, within a friendly, pressure-free environment.

To ensure inclusivity and build confidence among the young participants, the event began with a brief but effective orientation session. During this, students were acquainted with OMR sheets and trained in shading techniques.

The workshop proved to be a confidence booster, enabling even first-time users to engage with the format comfortably.

Students speaking to The Kashmiriyat expressed excitement about the new experience, calling it both “thrilling” and “fun.” Many described how the process encouraged them to think critically rather than rely on memorized answers.

Teachers noted that the use of a competency-based format helped spotlight genuine understanding and analytical ability, giving every student a fair chance.

Speaking about the event’s success, school officials emphasized the importance of preparing students for a rapidly evolving academic landscape. “By introducing young learners to digital assessment techniques early on, we’re nurturing confidence and adaptability; skills fundamental to 21st-century education,” said one of the lead organizers.

The initiative also received praise from educators, parents, and local authorities, who lauded the school for fostering innovation and inclusivity. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the school plans to expand the competition in coming years, with proposals for regional-level participation and supplementary workshops on digital literacy and assessment methodologies.

The staff of Government Primary School Ganaie Mohalla Pariwan extended its gratitude to all participating institutions, students, community members, and media personnel, whose support contributed to the event’s resounding success.