HYDERABAD: Over 2 lakh students who have applied for Eamcet will for the first time give the test in an online format. The switch is seen as a move to curtail any scope for malpractice or leakage of the paper that will be conducted from May 1 to 7.
Touted as being the fairest possible measure for the test, JNTU-H, which is responsible for conducting the exam, has taken a slew of measure to ensure all students taking the test are familiar with the computer-based testing (CBT) mode.
In this regard, it has launched an app called TSCHE myCET to allow students to take mock tests, download hall tickets, get notifications on the exam, etc. The app is available on PlayStore and can be downloaded and used on any smartphone.
Clarifying the shift from paper-pencil to CBT, Prof Dr N Yadaiah, registrar of the varsity and convenor of Eamcet, said that it was not just simpler but also a better method of testing and evaluation. “It allows the testing centres to offer a more consistent test delivery, faster scoring, reporting and enhanced test security. All centres are reviewed and approved prior to the exam,” he said.
Strong encryption of question papers and results along with multi-level authentication procedures ensure confidentiality of both. “Additional security measures like biometric and photo capture will do away with the possibility of impersonation,” Prof Yadaiah said.
Officials also hinted that CBT would soon become the standard format for most entrance and recruitment tests. Besides being malpractice proof, they claimed that CBT is also student-friendly as it does away with the tedious bubbling. Errors in bubbling have often led to losing marks or even disqualification of students in several competitive examinations. The CBT method also eliminates loss of time.
Dists to get special sessions on CBT
While highlighting the advantages of CBT, Prof Yadaiah also admitted that there was a need to create some awareness about it particularly in backward districts of the state. “In addition to the app, students can also watch a video on Youtube that explains step-by-step procedure to be followed while taking Eamcet online. Awareness sessions in the districts will be undertaken from Sunday,” he said.
Students will be able to take free practice tests on April 19 and 20 at the test zones in Warangal, Khammam, Karimanagar, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Hyderabad.