India’s academia conducts several exams every year. Right from the secondary school level to entrance exams for higher education, competitive exams in India witness a large number of takers annually. Over the last few years, state governments have taken efforts to set up exam infrastructure to cater to the needs of students and ensure a smooth examination process. Moreover, India’s examination system has developed over time to meet changing societal demands, technological breakthroughs, and shifts in educational philosophies.
One such state which has incorporated these technological advancements in their examination system is Maharashtra. It has been one of the few states wherein the state’s Common Entrance Test (CET) is conducted online. This model initiative has led to the Karnataka government mulling over switching to computer-based tests for the state’s Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Why LTC?
Significant changes have occurred in the Indian education sector which were greatly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend towards digital education has been one of the most noticeable, with digital resources, virtual classrooms, and e-learning platforms becoming essential components of the educational environment. This digital transformation has also expanded to examinations and Skill Tree Consulting has supported the government in developing these by establishing Learning and Testing Centres (LTCs).
These centres are state-of-the-art examination centres which offer a seamless experience to students. They also provide a standardised testing environment, which is crucial for maintaining fairness and consistency across the state. All students, regardless of their geographical location, can take their exams in a controlled and well-monitored setting, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
The Skill Tree Expertise:
The Maharashtra government was eager to establish modern exam centres in an attempt to give pupils a seamless examination experience. Skill Tree Consulting brought its expertise to the project as it provided the state government with infrastructure and technological input so that Learning and Testing Centres (LTCs), commonly referred to as exam centres, could be set up. These centres were established with the intention of conducting the annual Common Entrance Test (CET). The exam is used to choose candidates for admission to engineering and pharmacy programmes across Maharashtra.
Skill Tree played a pivotal role in setting up and managing the CET examination centres across the state. Our primary responsibility was to establish fully-equipped computer labs that could accommodate the needs of thousands of test-takers, ensuring a seamless and efficient examination process.
The Skill Tree Effect:
In a record turn-around time, we managed to get 24 exam centres across Maharashtra up and running. Equipped with computer terminals and latest tech infrastructure, these centres were used to conduct the Common Entrance Test (CET) in the state as well as train students in computers. These 24 centres are present across Maharashtra in areas such as Pune, Amravati, Aurangabad, Nashik, Nagpur, Jalna, Akola, Mumbai suburban and Hingoli among others. Of the 24 centres, 11 centres have already conducted examinations while the rest have been readied to handover to the government.
This project turned out to be a huge success as we ensured smooth operations of these LTCs. We meticulously arranged the setup to meet all technical specifications required for a high-stakes examination, ensuring that every candidate had access to a robust and glitch-free testing environment.
Moreover, the presence of on-site technical support ensured that any issues were promptly addressed, minimising disruptions and ensuring a seamless exam experience. This support was vital in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. This focus on creating a student-friendly environment allowed candidates to concentrate better and perform to the best of their abilities.
Apart from our vocational training and skill development projects, Skill Tree’s end-to-end infrastructure projects include a Skill Development Centre in Ratnagiri, state-of-the-art Computer Labs in municipal schools and Examination Centres to conduct competitive exams in Maharashtra.
Through this project, we reiterate our commitment of supporting educational initiatives, by contributing to the broader goal of accessible and quality education for all.
