Online exam preparation
Get ready for remote exams and assessments, and learn how to prevent any technical issues that may come up.
On this page: find tips for setting up and getting ready on the day. Then, learn how to handle tech issues.
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Always be aware of your exam start and end times, and the exam duration.
If your online final assessment is managed centrally, you can find its scheduled date and time on the Examination Timetable page on myUNSW.
For other online assessments not listed on your exam timetable, your lecturer or tutor will inform you about the date and time. Make sure to check Moodle or your Course Outline for details. If you are still unsure, reach out to your lecturer or tutor.
Note for students living overseas
All centrally managed exams at UNSW Bengaluru will be scheduled at Indian Standard Time (IST). If you will be in a different time zone on the day of your exam, you must be aware of the time difference as this is not a valid reason for a Special Consideration request.
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Ensure the space where you plan to complete your online assessment is free of distractions. If you have roommates or family living with you, let them know when you’ll be completing your assessment to prevent any interruptions.
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Check that your device's settings are up-to-date. If it isn't, make sure to download and install the software update as soon as possible.
Please note: Special Consideration will not be awarded on the grounds that your computer performed an update during an online assessment.
Make sure to disable auto-updates to avoid having your device restart during your assessment attempt.
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Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using your zID on your smartphone if you haven't done it yet. You'll need this to verify your sign-in when logging into UNSW Bengaluru systems.
Check that you can log into and have access to your online assessment platform so you can jump right into your attempt on the day.
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Ensure your internet connection is stable and provides a decent speed. Check your internet speed with speedtest.net and ensure you know who to contact in case of a technical issue.
Quick tip: If you aren't getting stable wireless internet speeds, try connecting your device directly to your router using an ethernet cable to improve internet quality.
If possible, we recommend that you have a spare secondary connection device (e.g. a smartphone that can be used as a “personal hotspot” in case your connection goes down). Learn how to set up a hotspot with Apple or Android devices.
Worried about internet access for your online assessment?
Remember that you have access to the WiFi network on the UNSW Bengaluru campus.
See also
- Be ready at least 30 minutes before your assessment starts.
Log onto your computer and have any other permitted equipment you need in place (books, notes, calculator etc.). - Ensure your device has power and the charger is plugged in.
This applies to your smartphone as well, so that you can complete the next step. - Allow extra time to sign into required systems with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
If prompted for MFA via a push notification on your smartphone, follow our guide to sign in. - Remind your roommates or family that you’ll be undertaking the assessment.
The people around you may forget, so just send a reminder or put up a sign to make sure you aren't interrupted. - Refresh yourself on any instructions and procedures provided.
Read through any instructions about completing the online assessment and be aware of how to respond to technical issues.
If you experience a technical issue beyond your control that impacts your ability to complete an assessment, follow the steps below to submit a Special Consideration application.
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If a technical issue arises during your online assessment, take as many screenshots of the following items as possible:
- error messages
- screen not loading
- timestamped speed tests
- power outage maps
- messages or information from your internet provider regarding the issues experienced.
All screenshots must include the date and time the issue occurred.
The responsibility for uploading the correct version of your exam document falls upon you. Once uploaded, there's no further opportunity to replace or re-upload your exam papers. The exam documents submitted will be the ones that are marked.
There is no provision for uploading incorrect or incomplete documents. Please check that you've uploaded the right document before you submit.
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Centrally managed exams
Contact the UNSW Bengaluru Examinations team immediately via phone on +91 80 65956666 (Monday - Saturday 8am-6pm IST) or email (exams.Bengaluru@unsw.edu.au).
Exams managed by the Schools
Let your course authority, tutor or exam supervisor know that you're experiencing a technical issue as soon as possible via email, Moodle or chat. If possible, continue working on your assessment to the best of your ability. Check Moodle or the Course Outline for contact details of your lecturer and tutor.
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Your Special Consideration application will be reviewed and you'll usually receive an outcome within 3-5 working days.
Providing your supporting documentations
When submitting supporting documents in the Special Consideration portal, you can only upload the files of the formats pdf, png, gif or doc. The files you submit must be less than 3MB in total.
After submitting your formal application through the Special Consideration portal, you can submit larger files or other file types directly to specialconappeals.Bengaluru@unsw.edu.au.
Get support
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Firstly, ensure you have notifications for your Microsoft Authenticator app enabled. Next, attempt to sign in with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) again.
If you do not have data connectivity, have set your smartphone on Airplane mode or cannot receive push notifications for any other reason, the Microsoft Authenticator app can provide a One-Time Password code to sign you in.
Please follow our step-by-step guide to use the One-Time Password code.
If you require further support, contact UNSW Bengaluru myIT.
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UNSW Bengaluru MyIT has a dedicated support team for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) who can issue you a temporary access passcode (TAP).
You may be required to verify your ID while they process your MFA issue/request, so it's best to visit MyIT in person or call them.
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You are not permitted to contact other students during the exam (including the reading and submission periods), even if you are asking about a technical issue.
Attempts to communicate with other students through any means (whether it's in person, by email, through text, over the phone or any other way) will be considered serious academic misconduct.
If you're unsure how to deal with a technical issue, always reach out to your online assessment supervisor.
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The responsibility for uploading the correct version of your exam document falls upon you. Once uploaded, there's no further opportunity to replace or re-upload your exam papers. The exam documents submitted will be the ones that are marked.
There is no provision for uploading incorrect or incomplete documents. Please check that you've uploaded the right document before you submit.
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Be mindful of the Fit to Sit rule before you sit an online assessment:
By sitting or submitting an assessment or exam on the scheduled date, you are declaring that you are fit to do so and cannot apply for Special Consideration later.
You'll also be no longer be eligible for Special Consideration if you decide to sit, access or submit an exam or assessment after applying for it.
During an online assessment or exam, if you feel unwell to the point that you cannot continue, take the following steps:
- Stop working on the exam and take note of the time
- Contact the course coordinator, tutor or exam supervisor via email, Moodle or chat to advise them that you are unwell and unable to continue (before the conclusion of the exam)
- Obtain a medical certificate dated within 24 hours of the examination date
- Submit a Special Consideration application within 3 working days of the exam date where you felt ill partway through and were unable to continue your exam.
Need help with your exam arrangements?
Reach out to the UNSW Bengaluru Examinations Team at exams.bengaluru@unsw.edu.au. Please include your zID and course code in your email to help us assist you faster.