IIT Bhubaneswar Creates a Mechanism for Holding Comprehensive Examinations Online

23rd May, 2020 Bhubaneswar: IIT Bhubaneswar created a state of the art method of holding online examinations in a comprehensive manner as commercially available online examination systems suffer with several limitations such as restricted only for holding computer based tests, lack the robustness, reliability of invigilation and connection. This method can be used for holding all of types of examinations including the Class tests and End-Semester examination of an institute. This method uses the currently available commercial systems such as the ‘Wheebox’ as a part of it.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. R.V. Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar says, “The proposed online examination system is robust and can be used for holding tests of wide ranging nature from simple computer based tests to detailed conventional examinations. The system uses a virtual examination hall, actual invigilators (IIT's own teachers acting as proctors in the system), question paper distribution on-line, and submission/reception of soft copies of answer books which may be printed, if needed. The system uses two or more network connection for reliability of connection and additional facility for proctoring for reliable invigilation. Unlike in systems where a student has to come to an examination centre equipped with computers, in the proposed system, a student can take the examination from home or anywhere across the globe. However, for availing this advantage in return a student is required to be equipped with gadgets which is very much feasible. “

“The institute successfully tested the entire system by holding a mock test on 9th may 2020 involving about 240 students stationed across the country, question papers of 31 subjects and 20 invigilators. It was found that the tests can be held successfully and effectively as long a student has at least one of the two connections working at any time during the examination,” he further added.

However, the Institute felt that owing to the ongoing pandemic during the present lockdown period, all students may not be equipped with an internet connection of adequate speed and they may not be in possession of their laptops. This was further substantiated by a survey which was conducted. So taking the above into consideration, the institute decided to conduct the end-semester examination of the Spring 2019-‘20 semester in the conventional form after the return of the students. However, the institute can make use of this mechanism when needed with prior preparations.

Earlier, the institute switched to live streaming of classes from 18th March without any gap and completed the Spring 2019-2020 semester on-time as per the academic calendar with the enthusiastic participation of faculty and the students though they initially faced some challenges in accessing the live lectures at times. The institute has been also following all the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resources Development and the guidelines provided by the State Government are being strictly followed by the Institute.