Arunachal becomes first state to conduct Computer-Based Tests for ITI students

Itanagar: In a first of its kind, Arunachal Pradesh becomes the first state to conduct Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for All India Trade Test (AITT) for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students. Conducted between 9th and 20th December, the Computer-based tests replaced the earlier OMR-sheet arrangement and aimed at producing accurate results in a shorter time.

The examinations were held exclusively for applicants from Arunachal Pradesh in a special arrangement approved by the Government of India. Due to restrictions in the Covid lockdown, the exams were long due although they were finally conducted by the state government in December, keeping the students' welfare in mind. According to reports, the CBTs were conducted by the Directorate General of Training  (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, New Delhi and Chennai-based National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) through the state's Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (SDE) Directorate. Officials released that a total of 795 students appeared for the examinations held for 21 trades in the discipline. Also the exam centres were all confined to the 5 Government ITIs in the state: Yupia, Roing, Dirang, Balinong & Tabarijo.

Referring to the change in exam pattern,  SDE Director Subu Tabin said, "The traditional form of examination, using OMRC sheets, was replaced by web-based examination, as done for premier entrance examinations like JEE, AIEEE, NET, and it was found to be more accurate, faster and reliable." He further added that the use of technology will also ensure that no manual errors take place in the process. 

However, Tabin also went on to focus on the hardships on the state government's part in conducting these CBTs. He mentioned that the state is not well geared with resources like computers, switches, high-speed servers, LAN, etc. The entire state does not have good internet connectivity, and so care had to be taken especially in places like Tabarijo and Balinong which have zero connectivity. "Everyday, ITI officials had to travel carrying the servers to a place with decent internet connectivity to submit the day's exam data to NIMI and get the update of the next day's examination," Tabin informed, adding that, in spite of the limitations, "all the ITIs of the state successfully conducted the CBT."

In the end, he took his time to appreciate and thank all the students who had appeared for the examinations. He also extended his gratitude for the immense support provided by NIMI and DGT and the Department's resource management, leading to a successful first example of CBTs in the ITI sector.

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