Computer question from Patwari exam, 2024 by JKSSB
This peripheral device is mostly used in financial institutions to process a large number of cheques by recognizing the magnetic encoding number printed at the bottom of the cheque?
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
MICR
MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. It is a technology used primarily by the banking industry to streamline the processing and clearance of cheques and other documents.
• The Process: The numbers and characters at the bottom of a cheque (which include the cheque number, sorting code, and account number) are printed using a special ink or toner that contains magnetic material (usually iron oxide).
• The Device: The MICR reader senses these magnetic charges. Because it relies on magnetic properties rather than just optical shape, it is highly secure and can still read the characters even if they are covered by stamps, signatures, or ink.
• OCR (Option A): Optical Character Recognition; used for converting printed/handwritten text into digital data.
• OMR (Option C): Optical Mark Recognition; used for processing multiple-choice tests (like the ones you are taking!).
• Bar code reader (Option D): Used for reading universal product codes (UPC), commonly seen in retail.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
