The Computer Aided Paperless Examination System (CAPES) developed by the National Informatics Centre proved its worth in two national level examinations. Earlier, CAPES was inaugurated by the Minister for Personnel and Public Grievances, Ms Margaret Alva on July 5, 1993.
In its first practical implementation, CAPES was used to conduct the nationwide recruitment test for the posts of Scientific Officers 'SB' of NIC. The recruitment test stretched from July 5, 1993 to July 27, 1993, and was simultaneously conducted in 18 Centres located in different State Capitals of the Country. Out of the 10,000 candidates called, 4,494 appeared for the examination. The examination of one-hour duration, was held for four batches of ten candidates each, every day, in all the 18 centres.
CAPES is a CD ROM-based system and all data related to the examination was stored and transferred through CD ROMS. A total of 35 UNIX-based 486-Systems were put into operation to run CAPES. Daily results from each of the centres were transmitted to NIC Headquarters at New Delhi for consolidation and the final results were handed over to NIC Administration within three days of the completion of the examination.
The overwhelming success of CAPES in its first venture, fortified NIC to take on the challenge of conducting the all-India recruitment test for the post of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners under the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This computer-aided paperless examination was held from September 2, 1993 to September 24, 1993.
However, before commencing with the examinations, NIC had already taken into account the basic difference between examinees of the first and the forthcoming examination and prepared accordingly. While the previous candidates who were computer-acquainted used the standard computer keyboard, an easy-to-use keypad, with only the controls specifically required, was specially designed for the candidates of the UPSC examination who could be completely unfamiliar with computers. For the same reason, it was also decided to conduct hands-on demonstrations for the candidates before the start of each session, and a suitable demonstration package was developed for the purpose. The user-interface of CAPES was enhanced and made more user-friendly. Otherwise the basic modus operandi was very similar to the one used in the first case. Out of the 9,777 candidates who were called, 6,871 took the examination. Final results were handed over to the UPSC on September 28, 1993.
NIC requested the candidates to give their feedback at the end of the experience. While candidates have pointed out ways to further improve CAPES, the general sentiment is echoed in this quoted feedback:
"Paperless examinations on computers are not only good but also easy and interesting. This was my first experience for appearing in such an examination, and I would like it if all competitive exams are held in such a manner in the future i.e. on computers. My overall comments on such examinations are that it is an excellent method for conducting examinations."