A New Automatic Generation and Grading System for Multiple-Choice Tests Based on 2D Barcodes

Automating the grading of multiple-choice tests has long been feasible, with benefits like question randomization to deter cheating. Traditional methods, however, often depend on templates or separate answer sheets, which can lead to transcription errors and limit question formatting flexibility. This article introduces a new framework that places two-dimensional barcodes next to answers, allowing seamless inclusion of images and formulas while keeping answer boxes aligned with response choices. Using LaTeX for document creation, the system bypasses templates and complex geometric preprocessing. Tested over several years in a university setting, this open-source framework has shown an extremely low error rate across thousands of graded responses.