There are indications from different quarters that the Common Law Admission Test 2015 (conducted by the National Law Universities for admission to their 5 year integrated undergraduate program in Law) may go online.
Now the fact of the matter will only come to light after an official notification is issued by the CLAT convenor for 2015. However, supposing the exam does go online, what does it mean for the students who have been preparing for the same?
Well, honestly speaking, I don't see any major changes that students may be required to make in their preparation pattern.
And I speak from experience.
I happened to give the pen and paper version of the Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GCET) in 2006 and the online version of the same exam in 2009.
Now, although different institutes have different formats for conducting an exam online, here are some of my 'educated' guesses about the pros and cons of an online test vis-a-vis a pen-and-paper one.
1. Online test display the questions on the computer screen and you have to use the mouse to click the correct answer option. However, bit of blank papers are generally provided for the student (if required) to perform calculations and draw diagrams to work out the solution. So, there is no difference in the way a problem is 'solved'.
2. Before the online test begins, there is generally a demonstration for the students to get familiar with the system. One need not be familiar with computers and technology to be able to attempt the paper. Absolute novices face no real disadvantage when attempting a paper online as compared to tech-savvy students.
3. In the pen and paper version of the test, where you are required to mark the OMR sheet with a pencil/pen, there is the chance of solving the question correctly but marking the answer incorrectly on the OMR. In an online test, as each question is individually seen on the screen with the options for just that question, the possibility of marking the wrong question number is virtually eliminated.
4. In case the OMR sheet (of the pen and paper version) is to be marked with a pen, one cannot correct an incorrectly marked answer. Does not happen in the online version. It's very easy to change your answer option.
5. In case more than one answer is marked for the same question (on an OMR) with a pen, there is no way of rectifying the error. Not possible in the online version, where only ONE answer can be marked
6. Online tests generally have the system of 'FLAGGING' a question for later inspection. Not easy to do the same in a pen and paper test.
7. Online tests generally have timers on the screen. Gives you a constant reminder of amount of time left.
8. In pen and paper tests, the exam supervisor starts the time for everyone together. One is dependent on the supervisor's time keeping skills to end the exam on time. There have been instances, where the supervisor has given a few minutes less than the actual time allotted. In case of online tests, the time starts at the student's discretion and the precise amount of allotted time is available to the student,
9. No worries about the pencil point breaking off in the middle of a test, no need to 'borrow' erasers in the middle of a test...
All in all, students need not fear if a pen-and-paper test is modified to go online. It is all for the good of the student.
It does not matter whether the test is on paper or on a screen. It does not change the way you prepare for the same.
Remember, it's all about your fundamentals and mental attitude.
Cheers!
Now the fact of the matter will only come to light after an official notification is issued by the CLAT convenor for 2015. However, supposing the exam does go online, what does it mean for the students who have been preparing for the same?
Well, honestly speaking, I don't see any major changes that students may be required to make in their preparation pattern.
And I speak from experience.
I happened to give the pen and paper version of the Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GCET) in 2006 and the online version of the same exam in 2009.
Now, although different institutes have different formats for conducting an exam online, here are some of my 'educated' guesses about the pros and cons of an online test vis-a-vis a pen-and-paper one.
1. Online test display the questions on the computer screen and you have to use the mouse to click the correct answer option. However, bit of blank papers are generally provided for the student (if required) to perform calculations and draw diagrams to work out the solution. So, there is no difference in the way a problem is 'solved'.
2. Before the online test begins, there is generally a demonstration for the students to get familiar with the system. One need not be familiar with computers and technology to be able to attempt the paper. Absolute novices face no real disadvantage when attempting a paper online as compared to tech-savvy students.
3. In the pen and paper version of the test, where you are required to mark the OMR sheet with a pencil/pen, there is the chance of solving the question correctly but marking the answer incorrectly on the OMR. In an online test, as each question is individually seen on the screen with the options for just that question, the possibility of marking the wrong question number is virtually eliminated.
4. In case the OMR sheet (of the pen and paper version) is to be marked with a pen, one cannot correct an incorrectly marked answer. Does not happen in the online version. It's very easy to change your answer option.
5. In case more than one answer is marked for the same question (on an OMR) with a pen, there is no way of rectifying the error. Not possible in the online version, where only ONE answer can be marked
6. Online tests generally have the system of 'FLAGGING' a question for later inspection. Not easy to do the same in a pen and paper test.
7. Online tests generally have timers on the screen. Gives you a constant reminder of amount of time left.
8. In pen and paper tests, the exam supervisor starts the time for everyone together. One is dependent on the supervisor's time keeping skills to end the exam on time. There have been instances, where the supervisor has given a few minutes less than the actual time allotted. In case of online tests, the time starts at the student's discretion and the precise amount of allotted time is available to the student,
9. No worries about the pencil point breaking off in the middle of a test, no need to 'borrow' erasers in the middle of a test...
All in all, students need not fear if a pen-and-paper test is modified to go online. It is all for the good of the student.
It does not matter whether the test is on paper or on a screen. It does not change the way you prepare for the same.
Remember, it's all about your fundamentals and mental attitude.
Cheers!
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