LUCKNOW: In a major step towards environmental sustainability and examination reform, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, has decided to reduce the number of pages in students’ answer sheets and limit the use of supplementary copies during university examinations. This is a sign of growing concern over paper waste and inefficient resource use, following a suggestion by Uttar Pradesh Governor and University Chancellor Anandiben Patel. The decision was finalised at a meeting of the university’s examination committee, which approved measures to optimise paper use and strengthen the overall examination process. A special committee will soon be constituted to work out the detailed framework and finalise the implementation plan for the changes.
The initiative highlights the university’s commitment to aligning educational administration with the larger goal of environmental conservation. With lakhs of students enrolled in AKTU’s affiliated colleges across Uttar Pradesh, the university prints an enormous number of answer books every semester. According to officials, a considerable portion of these sheets often remains unused, resulting in large-scale paper wastage and higher printing costs.
AKTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Pandey laid emphasis that the proposal was discussed in detail during a recent meeting and that the university’s objective is to encourage mindful paper usage without compromising students’ convenience. “The committee’s recommendations will form the basis for further action. The decision aims to ensure that students write efficiently, avoiding the unnecessary use of extra sheets and pages,” he said.
University authorities added that reducing the number of pages in the main answer book and limiting supplementary sheets will help control wastage while also cutting down printing and storage costs. It will also contribute to the government’s goal of promoting environmentally responsible practices across public institutions.
Governor Anandiben Patel, known for advocating eco-friendly, efficient governance initiatives in universities, proposed the idea to AKTU as part of her ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in higher education institutions. Under her leadership, many universities in Uttar Pradesh have begun adopting reforms that aim to reduce paper consumption and encourage digital alternatives where feasible. Her suggestion to AKTU is part of this larger vision, to make universities not only centres of learning but also models of environmental responsibility.
The Chancellor’s direction was well received by the examination committee, which swiftly approved the proposal and decided to implement it through a structured plan. While the move focuses on reducing paper usage, the university has clarified that student convenience will remain a top priority. The reduction in pages will be implemented after assessing the average writing requirements across different subjects and courses. The idea is to ensure students have sufficient space to complete their answers without needing excessive supplementary sheets.
Sources in the university examination department mentioned that the number of pages in the main answer copy may be reduced moderately, while supplementary copies will be issued only when absolutely necessary. The goal is to develop a balanced approach that conserves resources without hindering students’ ability to fully express their answers.
In addition to the paper conservation initiative, the examination committee also approved several key measures to strengthen the evaluation process and ensure greater accountability among evaluators. One of the most significant changes involves tightening the challenge evaluation system, the process by which students can contest their marks after result declaration.
Under the new guidelines, if the difference between marks awarded by two evaluators during a re-evaluation exceeds 10%, a penalty will be imposed on the concerned teacher. This will enhance fairness, transparency, and responsibility among evaluators. The university also stated that students’ marks could be revised, including downward revision, during the challenge evaluation process if discrepancies are found.
Moreover, the university has decided to involve postgraduate and PhD students in the evaluation of answer sheets. This initiative will be introduced on a pilot basis during the first phase and expanded later based on results. The inclusion of research scholars is expected to not only ease the workload of faculty evaluators but also provide valuable academic exposure to postgraduate students.
AKTU’s paper-saving initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader environmental goals. By reducing paper consumption, the university contributes to minimising deforestation, energy use, and waste generation linked with large-scale printing operations. The move also resonates with the Digital India Mission, which encourages institutions to adopt eco-conscious administrative models. Though AKTU’s current reform focuses on printed answer sheets, the university is reportedly exploring long-term strategies for digital examinations and online evaluations in select courses.
