Explained: Competitive exams should be online or offline?

In 2009, IIMs decided to conduct their annual Common Aptitude Test (CAT) through the computer-based test model (CBT). Though the premier edition of this CBT saw a few glitches, IIMs have successfully conducted CAT over the past decade using this CBT model. This was possible through agile learning and regular system upgrades.

Globally accepted entrance tests like Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) were among the first to implement the CBT model. With rising of Covid and the need for social distancing has resulted in these tests moving to a fully online model.

While the medium of testing remains online, the major difference between CBT and online tests is the venue. While in CBT it can be any of the designated test centres across a region, for online tests students can log in from their personal computers.

With Covid staying past its welcome, India’s education system is preparing for a transition to online testing. In fact, most stakeholders are parents, students, or even the administration; are supporting the initiative to conduct competitive exams online or at least through the CBT model.

Even though the pace of vaccination has picked up, the Covid overhang involving spikes in infection rates has forced the administration to consider conducting competitive exams online. While the majority of the current academic year’s studies took place online, the university-campus eco-system is expecting to host students in the upcoming academic intake. The administration must ensure there are no delays in the selection processes.

Below we discuss the advantages of conducting entrance tests online:

Safety concerns:

E-learning and online classes have succeeded over the last year. Parents are apprehensive about sending their wards to participate in offline exams. Under the current state, attending offline exams puts students at a psychological disadvantage. This is because; a possibility of an infection would be at the back of every student’s mind whereas s/he would be better off concentrating solely on the exam at hand. Even the administration is looking to sidestep conducting possible ‘super-spreaders events.

Easy implementation:

Conducting physical tests through a country as vast as India is a resource-intensive and time-consuming task. It involves activating multiple stakeholders including physical classrooms, distribution of stationery, availability of support staff, etc. In terms of physical facilities, it will be a terrible gamble to enforce safety protocols on short notice upon premises shut for the past many months.

Online tests seem a practical approach in these times. More so, because it allows automation of key processes while outsourcing the preparation of ‘venue’ to the test-taking students. Automation ensures the reusability of successful templates and thus saves time.

Training:

As against offline testing, one can conduct training sessions centrally for both students as well as facilitators. With the option to record training videos, one can view the sessions at their convenience. Multiple test-runs help cement user comfort and viability of the system. As has been proven over past years, online tests provide a practical approach towards conducting multiple editions of entrance exams within a year and thus offer greater chances for students to score well.

Instant test results:

One of the biggest disadvantages of offline competitive exams is the time they take to pronounce results. Online tests on the other hand give instantaneous results, thus saving the anxiety and more importantly precious time for students to prepare for subsequent tasks. Moreover, questions in an online test can vary among test takers; strikes out possibilities of cheating and ‘paper leaks’. Shortlisting of questions is a dynamic process within online testing unlike the static ‘question paper’ offered by the offline version.

Detailed feedback:

CBTs and Online tests are a great way to analyze a specific test’s performance and identify best practices. The administration can receive a detailed feedback report, gain critical insights about the student approach, and point out areas of improvement. Online tests are a stepping-stone to self-learning.

As a lot is riding on the successful delivery of online tests, the administration must be prepared to overcome any technical snags. Furthermore, the option to take tests online either from their study rooms or from a designated test centre will level the playing field for all students. It is time to reap the advantages arising out of a disruptive year and fully utilize advancements of the EdTech sector.

--Article by Nilesh Gaikwad, Country Manager, EDHEC Business School.

Read: How preschools need to implement health and safety norms for reopening their centres

Read: 5 edtech startups beyond mainstream education