Advantage of Taking a Computer Based Test (CBT) Exam - A Detailed Analysis

With digital methods and processes taking over the world in every sphere, education is not far behind. Nowadays, a lot of colleges, universities and other exam conducting bodies are making use of computer-based admission tests (CBT) to evaluate the skills, knowledge and aptitude of the test takers. As there are many advantages of computer based tests, some of the major examinations such as JEE Mains , BITSAT and CAT have also switched to this mode of examination. Online computer tests are conducted for entrance exams of all streams such as medical, engineering, design, commerce etc.

What is a Computer Based Test?

In a computer based test, candidates are required to use the screen and mouse to answer questions. They flip through the questions and answer the test questions which appear on the computer screen in front of them. In most cases of computer based tests, multiple questions sets are prepared and are randomly allotted to students enrolled for taking the examination.

Considering the fact that these tests are now seen as the future of entrance exams, let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of computerized tests for students as well as for the conducting bodies.

Advantages of CBT Exam:

Listed below are some of the advantages of CBT or computer-based tests are as follows:

• Computer-based tests can be taken all year round in most locations. Students can appear for the tests when and where it is convenient for them. They don’t need to travel to a particular location to take the exam, so it is helpful for the students from remote areas as well. The window for taking the test can vary between one week and three weeks. For example, GMAT aspirants can take the exam from a place which is convenient for them and can also choose a date.
• It reduces the time taken to complete a test and is more convenient as compared to paper-based tests. The applicant is allotted a certain amount of time to answer questions. He/she cannot go back to change the answers. This reduces the total time taken while attempting the test.
• Different versions of the test papers are created, equivalent to each other in terms of the content and difficulty level. This way, one test taker can see only a small proportion of the questions, and since there are different versions, every test taker gets different questions. So, that way, the risk of cheating in a computer-based test is limited.
• Test takers with disabilities can also take exams through CBT. Braille keyboards are available for those who are visually disabled. Text can be enlarged or presented in a manner which enhances its readability. It can also be read aloud to assist candidates who have a hearing disability.
• You can also get your individual testing environment and won’t have to share a table with someone. This makes the testing environment comfortable for the test taker.
• The test also has a basic tutorial to guide the students before the test begins so that those who are not familiar with CBTs can attempt it easily.

While these are some of the points that particularly help the students, there are a few other advantages of CBTs also. It saves cost. When an exam is conducted online, it saves the cost of paper and other copying and distribution expenses. Also, the computer-based tests eliminate the processes of creating question papers and registering candidates for the examinations. Evaluation of answer sheets and results declaration has also become easier with the help of CBT. Online testing can even include multiple references and have multiple levels and a lot of different question types.

Disadvantages of CBT Exam:

On the other hand, like everything, computer-based tests also have a few disadvantages. Let's take a look at the drawbacks CBTs below.

• It is an expensive option and this factor can deter many government organisations from opting for it. Test delivery firms such as Pearson, Prometric, VUE and TCS are usually way above the budget for the government-run examinations.
• There is a possibility of a technical glitch, power outrage or a system failure.
• There is an uneven distribution of internet network as the internet network in some areas can be poor.

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