IIT Bhubaneshwar plans to conduct online exams; says the tech model is robust

While IIT Kanpur has planned not to conduct final exams, IIT Bhubaneshwar will conduct online exams. The model is similar to Wheebox, where the system will use a virtual examination hall. The exam will have actual invigilators they will distribute question papers online and receive submissions of soft copies of answer books. In a similar move, IIM Kashipur also held online exams this quarter but noted only a 60% student turnout.

What is the plan of IIT Bhubaneswar?

IIT Bhubaneswar has already tested the system with 240 students and 20 invigilators in India. They developed the technology to conduct all types of exams- including class tests and end-semester examinations for the institute. In traditional systems, a student has to come to an examination centre equipped with computers. But here a student can take the exam from home or anywhere across the globe.

RV Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneshwar said the online examination system is robust. Also, it can be used for holding tests from simple computer-based ones to detailed conventional examinations.

The online mode will need two or more reliable connections and proper gadgets. The institute revealed that they can take the tests successfully and effectively. This follows the need of at least one of the two connections working at any time during the examination.

IIT Bhubaneshwar has, however, decided against holding the end-semester examination of spring 2019-2020 using the method. They have taken this decision as all students may not have an internet connection with adequate speed. Meanwhile, other IITs have also decided to not hold online classes as a significant number of students do not have access to the internet.

What if you don't have a teacher?

The institute has assured that the system plugs the loopholes of the existing system. It has added virtual proctors and invigilators. The IIT-Bh has created this method to conduct detailed examinations online. The institute claims that this method can be deployed to hold all of the types of examinations, irrespective of distance and availability of a teacher.

Further, the institute will hold the end-semester exam in the conventional form after the students return to the institute.