Concepts of Computer Based Examination Systems

Examinations were typically Paper & Pencil based and slowly computers are being used to handle different areas of Examination systems.

Traditional Paper & Pencil Tests

We are used to Paper & pencil test, where we are given a question booklet and an Optical Mark Reader (OMR) based answer sheet, where we darken the circle out of the four choices A,B,C,D ( )

Is there any problem? Not really. It is a proven method. However, were you not waiting quite some time to get the results? It is also reported many a times about the paper leaks!! IIM, itself had its share of bad publicity in 2003, when CAT had to be cancelled. (Click here to see a report)

Then, what is the alternative? It is Online testing or Computer Based Testing. This is nothing but, sitting on a computer and ticking the correct answer with a mouse! There are many advantages of Computer Based Testing. If you know how to use the mouse, it is generally sufficient!!

Paper&Pencil Vs Online

Both types have their own PLUS points. It is very easy to conduct Paper & Pencil tests as we need minimum of the infrastructure. Online Testing needs to address all the issues addressed by Paper & Pencil test as well as other resources like Computers, Power supply, Internet connectivity, firewalls etc. A comparison can be seen here. The types of Computer Based Tests are :

1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Here tests are administered through a local server connected in the Local Area Network.

2. Online Test
- Here tests are administered through Internet.

3. Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT)
- Computer Adaptive Tests are where the difficulty of questions is raised/lowered based on the candidate's response.CAT can be either CBT or Online.

Institutions/organizations may adapt different models of Computer based exams or Hybrid models that suit them.