India is ready to use technology for competitive exams

debut of the common admission test (CAT) onlinetechnology.
ended in a fiasco, raising concerns about whether IndiaAfter the CAT debacle, there were doubts about the
is eager to use technology for competitive exams. Afuture of using technology for exams. But there were
new details titled Examinations and the Role ofno concrete facts to reveal the real perception. Hence,
Technology: Emerging Guidelines released by Arunwe thought of asking two interest group students and
Nigavekar, former chairman, UGC, and William G Harris,universities. Students were asked about their
CEO, Association of Test Publishers, US, reaffirmsconfidence and university administrators were asked
faith in the use of technology in the Indian examinationabout their willingness to introduce technology to
system.conduct exams.
Failure of CAT should not be compared to the failureAt a distance from the benefits, the report also
of technology in conducting exams. CAT was amentions limitations of technology while conducting the
nation-wide project which failed at the implementationexam. Concerns about the exam format not being
rank. However, there are various stages in the wholeconducive came across as the biggest challenge in the
examination process where technology can be used. Inreport. Lack of infrastructure and lack of technical
fact, 70% of universities in India are now usingexpertise emerged as concerns too. Acceptance of
technology whereas conducting exams.online exams for postgraduate courses, where
The report mentions that there are many benefits ofprojects, papers, seminars, etc form a major part of
using technology like minor cost and wider reach.assessment, is low. The main challenge is to make
Faster systems, less number of people, paper freeonline exams. India requirement software technology
exams will turn into savings and these funds can thenthat can replicate pen paper exams. This format gives
be directed towards other purposes. With onlineme complete freedom to ask students anything. For
exams, students find it easier to apply, as there areinstance, an engineering student can be asked to
lesser restrictions on travel and time. The reportderive a mathematical formula. I am not sure if that is
indicates that students are positively inclined towardspossible in an online exam.