AI to be used in viva for recruitment of heads at private educational institutions

Candidates who pass the MCQ test will sit an oral exam in which AI will help assess their appearance, body language and knowledge

The results of the recruitment test for heads and assistant heads of private educational institutions may be published on Wednesday evening or night.

Candidates who pass are set to face an verbal examination in which artificial intelligence (AI) will be used in the assessment process, according to Aminul Islam, chairman of the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).

“Subject to ministry approval, the results will be published on Wednesday evening or at night. Those who pass the written test will have to take part in the verbal exam."

It is the first time the NTRCA has conducted the recruitment process for heads and assistant heads of private institutions.

An 80-mark MCQ test was held on Apr 18 at nine educational institutions in the capital for recruitment to 12,951 posts of principal, vice-principal, headmaster, assistant headmaster, superintendent and assistant superintendent at private schools, colleges, madrasas and technical institutions.

Candidates who pass the written test will have to sit an 8-mark viva voce, while the remaining 12 marks will be based on academic qualifications.

Explaining the viva process, Aminul said candidates would have to appear in person at the NTRCA office.

“Once a candidate sits in front of a computer, AI will assess their dress and appearance, body language, general knowledge and subject-based knowledge,” he said.

“Candidates will be examined thoroughly before selection for appointment. It will take some time to calibrate the software. Once that is ready, we will begin the oral examinations.”

The NTRCA first issued the recruitment notice on Jan 29 for around 13,500 vacant posts. Applications were accepted from Feb 3 to Feb 26.

After receiving more than 80,000 applications, the Education Ministry revised the MPO policy and changed the eligibility criteria for the posts.

Previously, candidates needed 10 to 15 years of experience. Under the new rules, teachers at different levels must now have at least 18 years of teaching experience to qualify.

The NTRCA later issued a revised notice on Mar 25 and accepted fresh applications from Mar 28 to Apr 4.

Under the revised notice, the number of vacant posts was set at 12,951, and the NTRCA said it received 53,059 applications.

In a circular issued on Jan 27, the Secondary and Higher Education Division gave the NTRCA the authority to recruit principals, headmasters, vice-principals, assistant headmasters, superintendents and assistant superintendents at private educational institutions.

The NTRCA has been holding teacher registration exams since 2005 and, since 2016, has been selecting and recommending candidates for entry-level teacher and lecturer posts at private educational institutions.