Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background and Context

Attendance tracking in educational institutions has

traditionally relied on manual methods, which are often
inefficient, prone to manipulation, and time-consuming.
With the evolution of technology, there is a growing
demand for systems that can automate attendance while
ensuring security, accuracy, and accountability.

The Smart QR Code Based Attendance System is a modern

solution designed to bring automation, location intelligence,
and encrypted validation into the attendance process.
Unlike conventional systems where QR codes remain static
and can be easily misused, this system uses dynamic, time-
sensitive QR codes that automatically expire after a
predefined period, thus preventing fraudulent entries.

Additionally, it incorporates GPS-based validation,

ensuring that students can only mark their attendance
within the geographical boundary of the classroom. To
further support institutional management, the system
includes features like automated alerts to parents in case of
repeated absences and a dedicated module to record
attendance for students engaged in authorized
extracurricular activities outside the classroom.

Built using a full-stack web development approach, this

system integrates frontend technologies (such as React.js)
with backend frameworks like Spring Boot and robust
database support. It offers not only security and automation
but also aligns with the goal of building smarter and more
responsible educational environments.

1.2 Purpose

The main goal of the Smart QR Code Based Attendance

System is to provide a secure, automated, and tamper-proof
method for managing student attendance. Traditional roll
calls and manual entries are prone to human error, and even
many digital systems lack real-time verification and
contextual awareness.

This system is developed to:

• Reduce proxy attendance through the use of dynamically
generated QR codes that are encrypted and time-limited.
• Validate location using geofencing to ensure students are
physically present in the classroom.
• Automatically notify parents via SMS if a student is
absent for three or more consecutive lectures, encouraging
accountability.
• Provide a method to mark attendance for students
participating in institutional events or competitions, keeping
the record fair and comprehensive.

By leveraging modern technologies and user-centric design,

the project aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and
communication between institutions, students, and parents.

1.3 Functional Features

The key features of this system include:

1. Dynamic QR Code Generator
• Generates unique QR codes at the start of each session.
• Automatically expires after a preset time window (e.g.,
closes at 11:15 AM for a class starting at 11:00 AM).
2. Encrypted QR Technology
• The QR codes are encrypted using a secure algorithm
(e.g., DES or AES), ensuring that they cannot be reused or
tampered with.
3. Location-Based Attendance Validation
• Uses device GPS to determine if the student is within
classroom boundaries.
• Prevents attendance marking from outside the designated
area.
4. Parent Notification System
• Sends an automated SMS to parents if a student misses
three consecutive classes.
5. Activity-Based Attendance Provision
• A dedicated interface for teachers to submit attendance for
students on college-sanctioned activities, ensuring fairness.

These functionalities ensure that the system is not just

secure and efficient, but also supports the diverse needs of
educational institutions.

1.4 Significance of the Project

The Smart QR Code Based Attendance System holds

significance on both technological and institutional levels.
It addresses the common issues of attendance fraud,
inaccurate record-keeping, and delayed communication
between colleges and guardians.

With features like real-time QR code expiry, location-bound

attendance, and proactive parental alerts, the system
provides a comprehensive attendance solution that is hard
to bypass or misuse. It fosters responsibility among students
and strengthens the transparency of educational operations.
From a development standpoint, this project is a solid
demonstration of integrating frontend and backend systems
with real-time capabilities and external services (like SMS
APIs). It showcases how software can be tailored to solve
daily administrative challenges in educational settings.

1.5 Organization of Report

This report is divided into the following chapters for

structured understanding:
• Chapter 1: Introduction – Overview, purpose, significance,
and core functionalities.
• Chapter 2: Problem Statement & Objectives – A clear
explanation of the existing challenges and the goals this
project addresses.
• Chapter 3: System Features – Detailed explanation of
modules and technologies used.
• Chapter 4: System Design and Architecture – Flow
diagrams, architecture, and system structure.
• Chapter 5: Implementation – Actual development process,
technologies used, and UI/UX designs.
• Chapter 6: Testing and Validation – Test cases, validation
strategies, and bug fixing.
• Chapter 7: Conclusion and Future Scope – Summarizes
project outcomes and explores future enhancements.
Chapter 2

Purpose and Objective

2.1 Purpose

The Smart QR Code Based Attendance System was designed

with the goal of transforming traditional attendance practices
into a more reliable, secure, and intelligent process.
Conventional roll-calling methods and basic digital systems
lack preventive measures against manipulation and do not
provide contextual awareness such as location or time
constraints.

This system addresses those issues by:

• Automating attendance through real-time QR code generation
and validation.
• Ensuring attendance can only be marked when students are
physically present in the classroom through GPS-based
verification.
• Enhancing institutional engagement with parents through
automated notifications about student absences.
• Allowing teachers to fairly record attendance for students
representing the institution in co-curricular or extracurricular
activities.
The system also promotes responsible behavior among
students, reduces administrative workload for teachers, and
keeps parents actively informed about their child’s classroom
participation.

2.2 Objectives

The key objectives of this project are:

1. To build a QR-based attendance system where the QR is
encrypted and changes dynamically, making it difficult to
duplicate or misuse.
2. To introduce time-sensitive QR codes that automatically
expire after a set interval, ensuring attendance is only marked
during a valid window (e.g., first 10-15 minutes of class).
3. To integrate GPS validation so that attendance can only be
marked if the student is physically present in the classroom
boundary.
4. To implement automated alerts that notify parents if a
student is absent for three or more consecutive sessions,
improving communication between institutions and families.
5. To provide an attendance module for special cases, such as
when students are attending inter-college fests, sports events,
or other college-approved activities.
6. To ensure security, performance, and scalability through
robust backend services and intuitive frontend design using
modern full-stack development practices (React.js + Spring
Boot).
7. To create a user-friendly interface that allows both teachers
and students to interact with the system effortlessly, across
devices.
8. To reduce manual overhead and eliminate paper-based
records while increasing transparency and accountability in
attendance data.

Chapter 3

Functional Features

The Smart QR Code Based Attendance System is designed

with a set of core features that collectively address the
limitations of traditional attendance systems. These features
have been thoughtfully developed to increase security,
transparency, and automation while ensuring ease of use for
both students and administrators.

3.1 Dynamic QR Code Generation

• At the beginning of each lecture, the system generates a
unique QR code for that session.
• This code is dynamic and time-bound—it expires
automatically after a configurable duration (e.g., 10 to 15
minutes), ensuring that attendance cannot be marked once the
QR closes.
• This reduces proxy attendance and ensures students mark
their presence on time.

3.2 Encrypted QR for Enhanced Security

• The generated QR code is encrypted using cryptographic
algorithms such as DES (Data Encryption Standard).
• This encryption prevents tampering or unauthorized access,
ensuring that the attendance process remains secure and
confidential.

3.3 GPS-Based Attendance Validation

• The system captures the real-time GPS location of the
student’s device.
• Attendance can only be submitted if the student is within the
pre-defined classroom boundary (geofence).
• This prevents students from marking attendance remotely or
outside the classroom premises.

3.4 Automatic Parental Notification System

• If a student is absent for three or more consecutive lectures,
the system triggers an SMS alert to the parent or guardian.
• This real-time communication ensures that parents are kept
informed and can intervene promptly if necessary.
3.5 Special Attendance Module for On-Duty Students
• A separate provision exists for teachers to manually mark
attendance for students involved in college-approved activities
like sports events, seminars, or competitions.
• This feature ensures that students are not penalized for being
active participants in extracurricular engagements.

3.6 Admin Dashboard

• A dedicated dashboard for teachers and administrators allows
them to:
• View student attendance logs.
• Monitor absentee patterns.
• Generate reports for analysis.
• Manage session configurations (e.g., time limit for QR
expiry, location radius).

3.7 User Roles and Authentication

• The system uses role-based access control to separate
functionalities for students, faculty, and administrators.
• Secure login mechanisms ensure that only verified users can
access the platform and its features.

3.8 Responsive Interface

• The frontend is built using React.js and designed to work
seamlessly across devices—desktops, tablets, and
smartphones.
• The user interface is simple, modern, and optimized for real-
time actions, especially useful for quick attendance marking.

Chapter 4

Significance of the Project

The Smart QR Code Based Attendance System presents a

meaningful leap forward in how educational institutions
manage and monitor student attendance. While traditional
attendance systems suffer from inefficiencies and are
vulnerable to manipulation, this project offers a tech-driven
solution that emphasizes security, transparency, and real-
time validation.

4.1 Addressing Real-World Challenges

Manual attendance-taking consumes valuable lecture time

and is prone to errors, delays, and fraud such as proxy
attendance. Many digital alternatives still lack core features
like location-based verification or timely parental
involvement. This project solves these gaps by offering a
fully automated and intelligent attendance management
platform.
4.2 Promoting Responsible Student Behavior

The integration of GPS-based attendance and time-limited

QR codes ensures that students must be physically present
and punctual. This discourages casual absenteeism and
encourages discipline, punctuality, and accountability
among learners.

4.3 Strengthening Parent-Institute Communication

By notifying parents automatically when a student is absent

for three consecutive sessions, the system ensures that
guardians are not left unaware of academic irregularities.
This real-time communication promotes joint responsibility
between educators and families in shaping a student’s
success.

4.4 Recognizing Student Participation Beyond the

Classroom

Unlike rigid systems, this solution supports students

engaged in extracurricular or college-related events by
allowing faculty to submit justified attendance on their
behalf. This promotes inclusivity and recognizes
contributions outside the academic syllabus.
4.5 Technological Relevance

The project demonstrates the practical application of

modern development tools:
• html CSS and js for dynamic, responsive UI.
• django for scalable backend logic.
• Encryption algorithms like sha for data security.
• GPS integration for physical verification of presence.

This positions the project at the intersection of software

development and real-world educational management,
showcasing how smart systems can elevate institutional
operations.

4.6 Academic and Industry Impact

From an academic standpoint, this project is a compelling

case study on how location-based services, encryption
techniques, and modular design can work together to solve
a longstanding problem. Institutions adopting this system
can:
• Reduce manual workload.
• Prevent proxy and fraudulent attendance.
• Generate reliable data for performance analysis and audits.
Chapter 5

System Design and Architecture

The design of the Smart QR Code Based Attendance System

emphasizes modularity, security, and user-friendliness. The
system is built using Django for the backend and HTML, CSS,
and JavaScript for the frontend, ensuring a robust,
maintainable, and responsive platform.

5.1 System Architecture

The system follows a Model-View-Template (MVT)

architecture, Django’s native design pattern. This structure
separates concerns and ensures cleaner code management.
• Model: Manages the data and database structure (e.g., users,
attendance records, QR code logs, GPS logs).
• View: Handles the logic for processing user requests and
interactions.
• Template: The frontend (built with HTML/CSS/JavaScript)
responsible for displaying dynamic content to the user.

The architecture supports secure user roles (student, faculty,

admin) and integrates external APIs (e.g., for SMS alerts and
geolocation).
5.2 Major Components
1. QR Code Generation Module
• Generates a new QR code dynamically for every lecture.
• Each code is encrypted and time-bound using Django’s built-
in timer utilities.
2. GPS Validation Module
• Captures the student’s live location using the browser’s
geolocation API (in JavaScript).
• Attendance is only marked if the user’s coordinates match the
predefined classroom boundaries.
3. Attendance Logging Module
• Validates the QR code, time window, and location.
• Upon successful validation, the record is stored in the
database with a timestamp.
4. Absentee Notification System
• Django’s background tasks (e.g., Celery) are used to check
attendance trends.
• If a student is absent for 3+ classes, an automated SMS is
sent to the registered parent’s contact number using an
integrated SMS API.
5. Activity-Based Attendance Submission
• A separate interface is provided for teachers to manually
mark attendance for students participating in college-
sponsored events.
6. User Authentication System
• Django’s secure authentication system manages role-based
access for students, faculty, and admins.
7. Admin Dashboard
• Admins can manage users, view attendance trends, generate
reports, and configure system parameters (QR expiry time,
geo-boundaries, etc.).

5.3 Data Flow Diagram

[Student Device] --> [QR Scan + Location Check] --> [Django View Logic] --> [Validation
Module]

--> [Attendance Recorded in Database (Model)] --> [Confirmation Shown via Template]

[Faculty] --> [Admin Dashboard] --> [Student Attendance Reports / Manual Entry for On-Duty]

5.4 Security Considerations

• All QR codes are encrypted before rendering using Django-
compatible libraries.
• Data transmission is secured using HTTPS.
• Role-based access control prevents unauthorized actions or
data leaks.

Chapter 6
Implementation Details

The development of the Smart QR Code Based Attendance

System was approached with a focus on security,
responsiveness, and clarity in user interaction. The system was
implemented using Django for the backend and HTML, CSS,
and JavaScript for the frontend, creating a full-stack web
application optimized for real-time attendance management.

6.1 Module-wise Implementation

1. QR Code Generator with SHA Encryption
• Each QR code is generated uniquely at the start of a lecture.
• To prevent tampering or misuse, the data embedded in the QR
is hashed using SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) before being
rendered.
• The QR expires after a preset interval (e.g., 15 minutes),
which is enforced using a timestamp comparison on the server
side.
2. Location-Based Attendance Check
• On scanning the QR, the system triggers the JavaScript
Geolocation API to fetch the student’s real-time coordinates.
• These coordinates are compared with predefined classroom
geofences in the backend.
• Attendance can only be submitted if the student is within the
allowed range.
3. Attendance Submission Module
• Once the QR code is verified and location is validated,
Django saves the student’s attendance into the database along
with the timestamp.
• Duplicate entries are automatically prevented for the same
session.
4. Auto Alert System for Repeated Absentees
• A Django management command (scheduled using crontab or
Celery) runs daily to check if any student has missed three
consecutive sessions.
• If true, the system sends an automated SMS alert to the parent
using a third-party SMS API.
5. Manual Entry Module for Co-curricular Events
• A form-based module allows faculty to submit attendance for
students officially engaged in college activities.
• These records are stored separately and tagged as “on-duty
attendance” for transparency.
6. User Authentication and Roles
• Django’s built-in authentication is used to manage user
logins.
• Access control is enforced to differentiate between student,
teacher, and admin privileges.
• Passwords are hashed and stored securely using Django’s
password hashing framework.
7. Admin Dashboard Interface
• Admins have access to a dashboard to:
• View attendance logs.
• Filter records by student or date.
• Configure system-wide settings like geofencing radius and
QR expiry duration.
• Generate summary reports.

6.2 Frontend Implementation

• HTML/CSS: Used for static layout and responsive styling.
• JavaScript: Powers the dynamic functions like QR scanning,
geolocation tracking, and form validations.
• AJAX: Used for asynchronous requests to improve user
experience without full page reloads.

6.3 Database Design (Django ORM Models)

• User Model – Extended from Django’s default user to include
roles and personal details.
• Attendance Model – Stores session info, student ID, status,
timestamp, and location.
• QR Code Log Model – Keeps track of generated QR codes,
their hash, creation time, and expiry.

6.4 Additional Features

• Session timeout logic ensures that even if someone tries to
scan an old QR, the server will reject late submissions.
• Browser compatibility testing was done to ensure the system
works across major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
• Mobile responsiveness was a key design goal for student
convenience.

Chapter 7

Testing and Evaluation

Testing is a vital phase in software development to ensure that

all modules function as expected and the system behaves
reliably in real-world scenarios. The Smart QR Code Based
Attendance System underwent both functional and validation
testing to confirm accuracy, performance, security, and user
experience.

7.1 Testing

1. QR Code Generation & Expiry

• Test Case 1: Generate QR code and scan within the allowed
15-minute window.
• Expected Result: QR code accepted; attendance submitted
successfully.
• Test Case 2: Scan QR after expiry.
• Expected Result: Attendance submission rejected with a “QR
expired” message.
2. SHA Encryption Check
• Test Case 3: Attempt to decode the hashed QR manually.
• Expected Result: QR content unreadable without proper
decoding logic; system remains secure.

3. GPS-Based Validation
• Test Case 4: Student within classroom geofence scans QR.
• Expected Result: Attendance submitted.
• Test Case 5: Student outside the classroom boundary attempts
to submit.
• Expected Result: System blocks attendance submission with
location error.

4. Parental Alert System

• Test Case 6: Simulate 3 consecutive absences for a student.
• Expected Result: Parent receives SMS notification.
• Test Case 7: Student attends at least one session in between.
• Expected Result: Alert system does not trigger.

5. On-Duty Attendance Module

• Test Case 8: Teacher submits attendance for students in a
college event.
• Expected Result: Records saved and tagged as “On-Duty”
with event notes.

6. User Login and Access Control

• Test Case 9: Admin logs in and accesses dashboard.
• Expected Result: Full access granted to reports and
configurations.
• Test Case 10: Student attempts to access admin routes.
• Expected Result: Access denied and redirected to student
dashboard.

7. Cross-Browser and Device Testing

• Test Case 11: Access the app on mobile and desktop using
Chrome and Firefox.
• Expected Result: Layout responsive, all functionality intact.

7.2 Validation

1. Input Validation
• All forms were tested for blank submissions, invalid inputs
(e.g., fake coordinates), and incorrect file uploads.
• Error messages and validations functioned as expected.
2. Data Consistency
• Duplicate attendance entries were successfully prevented.
• QR codes did not repeat and were unique for each session.

3. Performance Under Load

• Simulated multiple concurrent users scanning the QR within
the first 5 minutes.
• Server responded correctly without crashing or slowing
down.

4. Security Validation
• Verified that hashed QR data could not be reverse-engineered.
• User sessions were protected; unauthorized access was
blocked.

Chapter 8

Conclusion and Future Scope

8.1 Conclusion
The Smart QR Code Based Attendance System successfully
addresses the common challenges associated with
traditional and semi-digital attendance methods. By
integrating dynamic QR codes, SHA-based encryption, and
GPS-based location validation, the system ensures that only
genuine and timely attendance is recorded.

The addition of features such as:

• Automated parental notifications for frequent absentees,
and
• Manual attendance entries for students participating in co-
curricular events,
enhances fairness, accountability, and transparency.

Built using Django, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the

system reflects a practical application of modern web
development techniques aimed at solving a real-world
academic management issue. Through careful
implementation, testing, and validation, the project delivers
a secure and efficient solution for institutions seeking to
modernize their attendance tracking process.

Overall, this project promotes punctuality, reduces proxy

attendance, supports institutional record-keeping, and
bridges the communication gap between institutions and
parents.
8.2 Future Scope

Although the current system performs well in academic

environments, there are several areas where it can be
further enhanced:
1. Mobile App Integration
• Developing an Android/iOS version using frameworks
like React Native or Flutter can improve accessibility and
ease of use.
2. Facial Recognition-Based Attendance (Optional Layer)
• As an added verification layer, facial recognition could be
implemented along with QR scanning to prevent fraudulent
attempts.
3. Integration with College ERP Systems
• Linking this attendance system with broader educational
ERP platforms for automatic data syncing and report
generation.
4. Offline Mode for QR Scanning
• Introducing offline attendance submission with automatic
sync when internet connectivity is restored.
5. Admin Analytics Dashboard
• More advanced data visualizations, absentee heatmaps,
and predictive insights based on attendance trends.
6. Multilingual User Interface
• Adding support for regional languages to make the system
more inclusive and accessible across diverse institutions.
7. Email Notification System
• Alongside SMS alerts, adding email notifications for more
formal communication with parents or guardians.
8. NFC or RFID-Based Attendance (Alternative Mode)
• To provide institutions flexibility, integration with other
technologies such as NFC cards or RFID tags could be
explored.

Chapter 9

Bibliography and References

The following resources, tools, and documentation were

referred to during the design and development of the Smart QR
Code Based Attendance System:
1. Django Official Documentation
• https://docs.djangoproject.com
• Used for backend development, user authentication, and
database modeling.
2. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN Web Docs)
• https://developer.mozilla.org
• Referenced for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Geolocation
API integration.
3. Python hashlib Documentation (SHA Encryption)
• https://docs.python.org/3/library/hashlib.html
• Used for implementing SHA-based encryption of QR code
data.
4. qrcode Library for Python
• https://pypi.org/project/qrcode/
• Utilized for generating encrypted QR codes dynamically in
Django.
5. Bootstrap Documentation
• https://getbootstrap.com/docs
• Used for responsive frontend styling and layout.
6. Twilio SMS API Documentation (or alternative provider)
• https://www.twilio.com/docs/sms
• Referenced for sending automated SMS notifications to
parents.
7. Stack Overflow Discussions and Community Forums
• Used for solving bugs, optimizing Django views, and
enhancing form handling logic.
8. W3Schools Tutorials
• https://www.w3schools.com
• General reference for frontend scripting and form validations.
9. GitHub Repositories (Open Source Projects on Attendance
Management)
• For understanding different project structures and QR
integration approaches.
10. Academic Papers on QR-based Attendance Systems and
Geofencing Techniques

• Consulted for understanding real-world applications of

encrypted QR attendance and GPS tracking in education
systems.