Andhra University College of Engineering installs bio-metric attendance system

In order to keep a regular tab on students bunking classes, Andhra University College of Engineering (AUCE) has set up a bio-metric thumb impression attendance system. The objective behind this pioneering move in the state is to improve overall attendance percentages of students.

The system, which uses students’ thumb impressions to mark their presence in college, has been installed to make sure that they have sufficient attendance to appear for the annual examinations.

The AUCE bought the system for nearly Rs 5 lakh. It was set up three months ago on trial basis at 12 points in the campus premises. This includes 11 select departments as well as the principal's chamber.

The system, which automatically records attendance at a special server, is currently running for students in their first year of college. However, there are plans for its expansion in all 40 departments from next academic year.

According to AUCE principal GSN Raju, the system has already yielded results by improving the students’ attendance as well as punctuality.

"The technology of biometric thumb impression has helped AUCE in improving the students' attendance as well as punctuality. I don't think this kind of a system is operational in any other government educational university or institution in the state," the principal told a leading daily.

If all goes well, the system may soon make the manual attendance registers a thing of the past!