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In a computer based exam anything and everything can go wrong. It all depends on the knowledge, skill,efficiency and sincerity of the test administration agency as to how they handle ALL the above.
Servers :
They can crash anytime.
Desktop/client Machines :
PCs can fail. Monitors may go blank. Mouse refuses to move. Keyboard gets stuck !
Lighting / Ventilation:
Any failure of lamps and Air-conditioning may cause some inconvenience.
Power Supply :
This plays the main spoilsport.
Network :
Switches may fail. Some candidate may kick or pull the cable intentionally/unintentionally.
Virus/Malware :
Virus/Malware can create havoc.
Manpower :
Lack of trained people can cause confusion
Internet :
Many exams may not depend on totally on Internet. However, Internet is required to download question papers and upload scores. If the Internet connection is not stable, the Computer Based Exam suffers.
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Some case studies.
Case 1 - IGNOU
Client : IGNOU
Exam Agency: Not Known
Service : Yahoo cloud
Problems : "I don't think it is hacking, it was a server failure - and could have been due to load and congestion. We have thought of using our own server."
- IGNOU Vice-Chancellor V. Rajashekharan Pillai
Reference
Case 2 - IIM CAT
Client : Indian Institutes Of Management - Computer Based CAT
Exam Agency: Prometric & NIIT
Problems : Server crashes, Virus attacks, Process failure in taking finger prints, Software problem in letting people exit the exam ( without alerts during first 3 days), Repated failures in the same test center
Reference
Case 3 - Directorate of Medical Education (DME)
Client : Directorate of Medical Education (DME)
Exam Agency: Not Known
Problems : Reported to be affected by Virus.
Reference
Case 4 - Server crashes at AIIMS online post-doctoral entrance test
Client : AIIMS
Exam Agency: TCS
Problems : Server Crash.
Reference
Case 5 - Servers crash during pilot licence exams
Client : Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Exam Agency: Software by National Informatics Centre. Delivery responsibility -Aptech
Problems : Server Crash.
Reference
Case 6 - Medicos angry as online exam server flatlines
Client : RUHS
Exam Agency: Not Known
Problems : Server Crash.
Reference
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