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Online Exams Guide

Online Exams in 4SCH allow teachers and administrators to create, conduct, and grade digital examinations with automatic grading for multiple-choice questions. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the online exam system.

Quick Access

Overview​

What are Online Exams?​

Online Exams are digital assessments that:

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - Support single and multiple correct answers
  • Auto-Grading - Automatic marking and instant results
  • Timed Exams - Set duration limits for exam completion
  • Secure Access - Protected with exam keys to prevent unauthorized access
  • Flexible Scheduling - Set start and end dates/times
  • Multi-Class Support - Link exams to multiple classes/sections
  • Question Bank - Reuse questions across different exams
  • Real-time Monitoring - Track student participation and completion

Key Features​

✅ Question Bank Management - Build reusable question libraries
✅ Random Question Assignment - Auto-select questions by difficulty
✅ Image Support - Add images to questions
✅ Bulk Import - Import questions from Excel
✅ Instant Results - Students see scores immediately after submission
✅ Detailed Reports - View student performance and analytics
✅ Mobile & Web Access - Take exams on any device
✅ One-Time Attempt - Prevent multiple submissions

For School Administrators​

Setting Up Online Exams​

Administrators have full control over the online exam system including creation, monitoring, and management.

Initial Setup Requirements​

Before creating online exams, ensure:

  1. Academic Session - Current session year is active
  2. Classes & Sections - Classes are properly configured
  3. Subjects - Subjects are assigned to classes
  4. Students - Students are enrolled in classes
  5. Teachers - Teachers are assigned to subjects (optional)

Creating an Online Exam​

Step 1: Navigate to Online Exams

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exams from the main menu
  2. Click Create Online Exam button

Admin creating an online exam - Navigation

Step 2: Fill Exam Details

Exam creation form

Required Information:

  • Exam Title - Descriptive name (e.g., "Mathematics Mid-Term")
  • Class - Select target class
  • Section(s) - Choose one or multiple sections
  • Subject - Select subject for the exam
  • Session Year - Academic session (auto-selected)
  • Start Date & Time - When students can begin
  • End Date & Time - Deadline for completion
  • Duration - Time limit in minutes
  • Exam Key - 6-digit numeric code for security
Exam Key Security

The exam key is a security feature that students must enter before accessing exam questions. Share this key only at exam time via announcement or classroom instruction.

Step 3: Configure Exam Settings

Click Submit to create the exam structure.

Step 4: Add Questions to the Exam

After creating the exam, you'll need to add questions:

  1. Click Add Questions button on the exam
  2. Choose from two methods:
    • Select from Question Bank
    • Create New Questions
    • Assign Random Questions

Managing the Question Bank​

The question bank is a central repository for all online exam questions.

Creating Questions Manually​

Navigate: Exams → Online Exam Questions

Question bank interface

  1. Click Create Question
  2. Fill in details:

Create question form

  • Class - Target class level
  • Subject - Related subject
  • Question - Type your question (supports math equations)
  • Image - Upload image if needed (optional)
  • Options - Add 2-6 answer options
  • Correct Answer(s) - Mark one or more correct options
  • Marks - Point value for the question
  • Difficulty - Easy, Medium, or Hard
  • Note - Additional hints (optional)
  1. Click Submit
Multiple Correct Answers

Questions can have multiple correct answers. Students must select ALL correct options to get marks - partial credit is not awarded.

Importing Questions from Excel​

For bulk question creation:

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exam Questions
  2. Click Import Questions
  3. Download the Sample Template
  4. Fill in the template:
    • One question per row
    • Include all options
    • Mark correct answers clearly
  5. Upload completed file
  6. Review and confirm import

Template Format:

Class | Subject | Question | Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D | Correct Answer | Marks | Difficulty

Assigning Questions to Exams​

When adding questions to an exam, you have two assignment methods:

Select Question Assign Type​

Before assigning questions, choose your preferred method:

📋 Manual Assignment - Select specific questions individually

  • Full control over which questions appear
  • Set individual marks for each question
  • Best for carefully curated exams
  • You choose exactly which questions students see

🎲 Random Assignment - System auto-selects questions

  • Questions chosen randomly from question bank
  • Equal marks distributed automatically
  • Best for anti-cheating measures
  • Creates unique exam variations
Assignment Type Selection

The assignment type selector appears at the top when you click Add Questions on an exam. Choose Manual or Random before proceeding.

Method 1: Manual Assignment (Select from Question Bank)​

Use When: You want to hand-pick specific questions for the exam.

Steps:

  1. Open the exam → Click Add Questions
  2. Select Manual assignment type (radio button)
  3. The question bank appears, filtered by:
    • Class (matching exam's class)
    • Subject (matching exam's subject)
    • Difficulty level (use filter dropdown)
  4. Browse and select questions by clicking checkboxes
  5. For each selected question, enter marks in the input field
  6. Click Assign Questions

Key Features:

  • ✅ Choose exact questions you want
  • ✅ Set different marks for different questions
  • ✅ Can assign same question with different marks
  • ✅ View question details before assigning
Individual Marks

With manual assignment, you can assign different marks to different questions. For example: hard questions get 5 marks, easy questions get 2 marks.

Method 2: Random Assignment (Auto-Select Questions)​

Use When: You want the system to randomly select questions from the question bank.

Steps:

  1. Open exam → Click Add Questions
  2. Select Random assignment type (radio button)
  3. Set parameters in the form:
    • Total Questions - How many questions to randomly select (e.g., 20)
    • Total Marks - Overall exam marks (e.g., 40)
    • Difficulty Level - Filter by: All, Easy, Medium, or Hard
  4. Click Submit

How It Works:

  • System searches question bank for questions matching:
    • Exam's class
    • Exam's subject
    • Selected difficulty level (if not "All")
  • Randomly selects the specified number of questions
  • Divides total marks equally among all questions
  • Assigns questions automatically

Example:

Total Questions: 20
Total Marks: 40
Difficulty: All Levels

Result: 20 randomly selected questions, each worth 2 marks (40 ÷ 20 = 2)
Equal Marks Distribution

Total marks must be evenly divisible by the number of questions. If you enter 40 marks for 21 questions, the system will show an error because 40 ÷ 21 = 1.9 (not a whole number).

Insufficient Questions

If your question bank doesn't have enough questions matching your criteria, the system will display: "Not enough questions available for the selected criteria." Create more questions or adjust your parameters.

Benefits of Random Assignment:

  • 🎲 Anti-Cheating - Each exam attempt can have different questions
  • ⚡ Time-Saving - No need to manually select questions
  • 📊 Balanced Difficulty - Can filter by difficulty level
  • 🔄 Reusable - Assign different question sets to different sections
Smart Question Selection

Random assignment is perfect for creating multiple exam variations for different class sections or preventing students from sharing questions between exam sessions.

Monitoring Online Exams​

View Exam Status​

From the Online Exams list, you can see:

  • Status Badge - Upcoming, Ongoing, or Completed
  • Participants - Students who attempted / Total students
  • Questions - Number of questions in exam
  • Class/Section - Target audience
  • Dates - Start and end date/time

Tracking Student Participation​

  1. Open the exam details
  2. Click Results button
  3. View:
    • List of students who completed the exam
    • Marks obtained by each student
    • Submission time
    • Percentage scores

Viewing Results & Reports​

Individual Exam Results​

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exams
  2. Find the exam and click Results
  3. See detailed breakdown:
    • Student name
    • Marks obtained / Total marks
    • Percentage
    • Submission timestamp

Reports and Export​

4SCH provides:

  • Results list (per student: score, percentage, submission time)
  • Online exam report (summary analytics, depending on school settings)

To export results for record-keeping:

  • Click Export to download CSV/Excel
  • Contains student scores and basic statistics

Managing Exams​

Editing an Exam​

You can edit exam details before students start attempting:

  1. Find the exam in the list
  2. Click Edit (three dots menu)
  3. Modify:
    • Title
    • Exam key
    • Duration
    • Start/End dates
  4. Click Update
Cannot Edit After Students Start

Once students begin attempting an exam, you cannot modify questions or marks to maintain fairness.

Deleting an Exam​

  1. Find the exam in the list
  2. Click Delete (three dots menu)
  3. Confirm deletion

Note: Exams with student submissions are soft-deleted and can be restored.

Best Practices for Administrators​

✅ Create Question Banks Early - Build subject-wise question libraries
✅ Test Exams First - Create a test exam to verify the flow
✅ Set Realistic Durations - Allow 1-2 minutes per question
✅ Communicate Exam Keys - Share keys via announcements
✅ Monitor Participation - Check who hasn't attempted
✅ Review Questions - Ensure questions are clear and accurate
✅ Backup Questions - Export question banks regularly

For Teachers​

Creating Online Exams​

Teachers can create online exams for subjects they teach.

Prerequisites​

Before creating exams, verify:

  1. You are assigned to teach the subject
  2. Students are enrolled in your classes
  3. Session year is active

Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Online Exam​

Step 1: Access Online Exams

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exams
  2. Click Create Online Exam

Step 2: Fill Exam Information

You'll see only the classes and subjects you teach:

  • Title - Clear, descriptive name (e.g., "Physics Chapter 5 Quiz")
  • Class - Your assigned class
  • Section(s) - Select one or more sections
  • Subject - Your teaching subject
  • Start Date & Time - When to open the exam
  • End Date & Time - Deadline for students
  • Duration - Minutes allowed (e.g., 30, 60, 90)
  • Exam Key - 6-digit number (e.g., 123456)
Planning Exam Duration

Recommended durations:

  • 10 questions: 15-20 minutes
  • 20 questions: 30-40 minutes
  • 50 questions: 60-90 minutes

Allow extra time for reading and reviewing.

Step 3: Create or Select Questions

After creating the exam structure, add questions:

Building Your Question Bank​

Creating Questions​

Method 1: Create While Adding to Exam

  1. Open your exam → Add Questions → Create New
  2. Fill in:
    • Question Text - Use the equation editor for math/science formulas
    • Image - Upload diagram/chart if needed
    • Answer Options - Add 2-6 choices
    • Correct Answer(s) - Check one or more boxes
    • Marks - Points for this question
    • Difficulty - Help categorize questions
    • Note - Hints or context (optional)

Method 2: Build Question Bank First

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exam Questions
  2. Click Create Question
  3. Build your subject-specific question library
  4. Reuse questions across multiple exams

Question Types & Examples​

Single Correct Answer:

Question: What is the capital of Nigeria?
Options:
  ○ Lagos
  ● Abuja (Correct)
  ○ Port Harcourt
  ○ Kano

Multiple Correct Answers:

Question: Which of these are prime numbers?
Options:
  ● 2 (Correct)
  ○ 4
  ● 5 (Correct)
  ○ 6
Grading Multiple Correct Answers

Students must select ALL correct options to receive marks. Selecting some but not all correct answers results in zero marks for that question.

Assigning Questions to Your Exam​

From Existing Questions​

  1. Open exam → Add Questions → Select from Bank
  2. Questions are filtered by your class and subject
  3. Filter further by:
    • Difficulty - Easy, Medium, Hard
    • Search - Find specific questions
  4. Select questions by checking boxes
  5. Set Marks for each question
  6. Click Assign Selected

Using Random Assignment​

Create varied exams quickly using the random question assignment feature:

Process:

  1. Open exam → Click Add Questions
  2. Select Random assignment type (radio button at top)
  3. Configure parameters:
    • Total Questions - How many to randomly select
    • Total Marks - Will be distributed evenly across all questions
    • Difficulty Level - Choose: All, Easy, Medium, or Hard
  4. Click Submit

Example Configuration:

  • Total Questions: 20
  • Total Marks: 40
  • Difficulty: All Levels
  • Result: 20 random questions, 2 marks each (40 ÷ 20 = 2)

Important Notes:

  • Total marks MUST divide evenly by number of questions
  • System checks if enough questions exist in the question bank
  • Questions are randomly selected each time
  • All selected questions get equal marks

Managing Your Exams​

Editing Exam Details​

Before students start:

  1. Find your exam
  2. Click Edit
  3. Update title, duration, dates, or exam key
  4. Save Changes

Adding/Removing Questions​

While exam is "Upcoming":

  1. Open exam → Add Questions
  2. Add more questions OR
  3. Click Remove on existing questions

Monitoring Student Progress​

Check who has attempted your exam:

  1. Open exam details
  2. View Participants counter (e.g., "15/30")
  3. Click Results to see:
    • Student names
    • Scores achieved
    • Submission times

Viewing and Analyzing Results​

After Exam Completion​

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exams
  2. Find your exam (status: "Completed")
  3. Click Results

Understanding the Results View​

You'll see a table with:

  • Student Name
  • Marks Obtained / Total Marks
  • Percentage
  • Grade (if configured)

Download Results​

Export for your records:

  • Click Export button
  • Get Excel/CSV file with all scores

Best Practices for Teachers​

Before Creating Exams​

✅ Plan Your Questions - Align with learning objectives
✅ Mix Difficulty Levels - Include easy, medium, and hard questions
✅ Review Questions - Check for clarity and accuracy
✅ Test Your Exam - Create a test version first

When Scheduling Exams​

✅ Announce in Advance - Give students notice (3-7 days)
✅ Choose Appropriate Times - Avoid late nights or holidays
✅ Set Realistic Durations - Don't rush students
✅ Share Exam Key Securely - Announce just before exam time

After Creating the Exam​

✅ Verify Question Count - Ensure all questions are added
✅ Check Total Marks - Confirm marks allocation
✅ Test the Exam Key - Make sure it's easy to remember
✅ Post Announcement - Notify students about the exam

During the Exam​

✅ Monitor Participation - Check who has started
✅ Be Available - Answer student queries via messaging
✅ Watch for Issues - Check if students report problems

After the Exam​

✅ Review Results - Look for questions everyone missed
✅ Provide Feedback - Send message about exam performance
✅ Address Concerns - Handle student questions about grades

Common Teacher Questions​

Q: Can I reuse questions from one exam in another?
A: Yes! Questions are stored in the question bank and can be used in multiple exams.

Q: Can I edit questions after students have started?
A: No. Questions cannot be edited once students begin attempting to ensure fairness.

Q: What happens if a student loses internet during the exam?
A: Students can resume the exam if the time hasn't expired. Their timer continues counting.

Q: Can I extend the deadline for specific students?
A: Not directly. You'll need to change the end date for all students.

Q: How are multiple correct answer questions graded?
A: Students must select ALL correct options to receive marks. Partial credit is not awarded.

For Students​

Taking Online Exams​

Online exams allow you to take tests digitally on the mobile app or web portal.

How to Access Online Exams​

On Mobile App:

  1. Open the 4SCH Student App
  2. Tap Exams tab at the bottom
  3. Switch to Online Exams tab
  4. You'll see upcoming and available exams

On Web Portal:

  1. Log in to ngs.4sch.com
  2. Go to Exams → Online Exams
  3. View available exams

Understanding Exam Status​

Exams appear with different statuses:

  • 🟦 Upcoming - Scheduled but not yet started
  • 🟩 Ongoing - Currently available to attempt
  • ⚪ Completed - Deadline has passed or you've submitted

Before Starting an Exam​

What You Need​

✅ Stable Internet - Wi-Fi or mobile data
✅ Exam Key - 6-digit code from your teacher
✅ Quiet Environment - Minimize distractions
✅ Adequate Time - Ensure you have the full duration available
✅ Charged Device - Don't let your battery die mid-exam

Check Exam Details​

Before clicking "Start Exam", review:

  • Subject - Which subject is this exam for
  • Duration - How long you have
  • Total Questions - Number of questions
  • Total Marks - Maximum score
  • End Date - Deadline to complete
  • Exam Key - Required 6-digit code

Step-by-Step: Taking an Exam​

Student exam list view

Phase 1: Starting the Exam​

  1. Find Your Exam
    • Open the Online Exams section
    • Find the exam in "Ongoing" status
    • Tap/Click on the exam

Exam details before starting

  1. Read Instructions

    • Duration
    • Total questions
    • Total marks
    • Rules and guidelines

  2. Enter Exam Key

    • Tap Start Exam
    • Enter the 6-digit exam key provided by your teacher
    • Tap Submit

Exam key entry screen

Get the Exam Key First

Ask your teacher for the exam key before starting. You cannot proceed without it.

  1. Exam Begins
    • Timer starts immediately
    • You'll see the first question
    • Your attempt is recorded (one-time only)

Phase 2: Answering Questions​

Single answer question interface

Question Display:

  • Question number (e.g., "Question 1 of 20")
  • Question text (may include images)
  • Answer options (radio buttons or checkboxes)
  • Marks for the question
  • Timer countdown

How to Answer:

Single Answer Questions:

  • Tap/Click the circle ○ next to your chosen answer
  • Only one option can be selected
  • Change your answer by selecting a different option

Multiple answer question interface

Multiple Answer Questions:

  • Tap/Click checkboxes ☑ for all correct answers
  • You can select multiple options
  • Deselect by tapping again

Questions with Images:

  • Tap image to view full size
  • Pinch to zoom on mobile
  • Questions may include diagrams, charts, or equations

Phase 3: Navigating Through Questions​

Moving Between Questions:

  • Next - Go to next question
  • Previous - Return to previous question
  • Question Navigator - Jump to any question (if available)

Marking for Review:

  • Some systems allow flagging questions to revisit
  • Use this for questions you're unsure about

Phase 4: Time Management​

Timer and navigation interface

Timer Display:

  • Shows remaining time (e.g., "25:30" = 25 minutes, 30 seconds)
  • Usually at the top of the screen
  • Turns red when time is running low (last 5 minutes)

What Happens When Time Expires:

  • Exam auto-submits with your current answers
  • You cannot make changes after submission
  • Unanswered questions score zero
Auto-Submit

When time runs out, the exam submits automatically with whatever you've answered. Don't wait until the last second!

Phase 5: Submitting the Exam​

Before Submitting:

  • Review all questions if time allows
  • Ensure all questions are answered
  • Check for accidental blank answers

To Submit:

  1. Click Submit Exam button
  2. Confirm submission (this action is final)
  3. Wait for confirmation message

Submit exam confirmation

After Submission:

  • Your answers are saved
  • You cannot re-take the exam
  • Results may be visible immediately or after teacher review

Exam results display

Viewing Your Results​

Immediate Results​

Many exams show results right after submission:

  1. Overall Score - Marks obtained / Total marks
  2. Percentage - Your score as a percentage
  3. Pass/Fail - If applicable

Detailed Results​

Access full results later:

On Mobile:

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exams
  2. Switch to Results tab
  3. Tap on the exam to view details

On Web:

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exam Results
  2. Click on the exam name
  3. View detailed breakdown

What You'll See:

  • Subject name
  • Exam title
  • Your marks
  • Total marks
  • Percentage
  • Submission date/time
Learn from Results

Review your performance to identify topics needing more study. Some systems may show which questions you got wrong (check with your teacher).

Important Rules & Guidelines​

Do's ✅​

✅ Start on Time - Don't wait until the last minute
✅ Read Carefully - Understand each question before answering
✅ Manage Your Time - Keep track of the clock
✅ Answer All Questions - Even if you're guessing
✅ Check Your Work - Review before submitting if time allows
✅ Stay Calm - Take deep breaths if you feel anxious
✅ Use Stable Internet - Avoid public Wi-Fi if possible

Don'ts ❌​

❌ Don't Share Exam Key - Keep it confidential until exam time
❌ Don't Refresh the Page - You might lose your progress
❌ Don't Switch Apps - May cause timing issues on mobile
❌ Don't Wait to Submit - Auto-submit at time expiry can fail
❌ Don't Try Multiple Attempts - System allows only ONE attempt
❌ Don't Collaborate - This is individual assessment

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

Problem: "Invalid Exam Key" Error​

Solution:

  • Verify you entered the correct 6-digit key
  • Check with your teacher for the right key
  • Ensure there are no extra spaces
  • Try typing instead of copy-pasting

Problem: Exam Won't Load​

Solution:

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Refresh the page/app
  3. Clear browser cache (web)
  4. Restart the app (mobile)
  5. Try a different browser/device

Problem: Timer Not Showing​

Solution:

  • Refresh the page
  • Your time is still counting - work quickly
  • Note your start time manually
  • Contact teacher if issue persists

Problem: Lost Internet Connection During Exam​

Solution:

  1. Reconnect to internet quickly
  2. Refresh the page/app
  3. Your answers should be auto-saved
  4. Continue from where you left off
  5. Timer continues counting even offline

Problem: Accidentally Closed the Exam​

Solution:

  • Reopen the exam immediately
  • You can resume if time hasn't expired
  • Your previous answers are usually saved
  • Timer continues from where it was

Problem: Cannot Submit Exam​

Solution:

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Try clicking Submit again
  3. Wait 30 seconds and retry
  4. If time expires, exam auto-submits
  5. Screenshot the error and contact teacher

Tips for Success​

Before the Exam​

📚 Study Well - Review all topics thoroughly
🔌 Charge Device - 100% battery before starting
📶 Test Internet - Ensure stable connection
🤫 Find Quiet Space - Minimize distractions
⏰ Note Exam Time - Set reminder 15 minutes before
📝 Get Exam Key - Have it ready before starting

During the Exam​

⚡ Start Promptly - Begin as soon as allowed
📖 Read Questions Fully - Don't rush, understand first
✓ Answer Easy Questions First - Build confidence
⏱️ Watch the Time - Pace yourself
🎯 Eliminate Wrong Options - Narrow down choices
🤔 Trust Your Instincts - First answer often correct
✍️ Answer Everything - Never leave questions blank

After the Exam​

📊 Review Results - Understand your performance
📚 Identify Weak Areas - Focus future study
💭 Reflect on Experience - What could you do better?
🙏 Thank Your Teacher - Acknowledge their effort

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: Can I take the exam multiple times?
A: No. Online exams allow only ONE attempt per student.

Q: What if I accidentally click the wrong answer?
A: Click the correct answer to change your selection before submitting.

Q: Will I see correct answers after the exam?
A: This depends on your teacher's settings. Some exams show answers, others don't.

Q: Can I skip questions and come back later?
A: Yes, use Next/Previous buttons to navigate. But watch your time!

Q: What happens if my phone battery dies?
A: You can resume on another device if time remains. Always start with full battery.

Q: Can I use calculator or notes during the exam?
A: Follow your teacher's instructions. Some exams are open-book, others aren't.

Q: How is my score calculated?
A: Total marks from correct answers / Total possible marks × 100 = Percentage

Q: What if I think a question has an error?
A: Answer to the best of your understanding, then report to your teacher afterward.

For Parents​

Monitoring Your Child's Online Exams​

Parents can track their child's exam schedule and results through the parent portal/app.

Viewing Exam Schedule​

On Parent App:

  1. Open 4SCH Parent App
  2. Select your child (if multiple children)
  3. Go to Exams section
  4. View upcoming online exams

On Parent Web Portal:

  1. Log in to the parent portal
  2. Select child from dashboard
  3. Navigate to Exams → Online Exams

What You'll See:

  • Exam title and subject
  • Scheduled date and time
  • Duration
  • Status (Upcoming/Ongoing/Completed)

Helping Your Child Prepare​

Creating a Good Environment​

✅ Quiet Space - Dedicated study area free from distractions
✅ Stable Internet - Test connection before exam time
✅ Charged Device - Ensure phone/tablet/laptop is fully charged
✅ Backup Plan - Have alternative device available

Before Exam Day​

  • Remind your child about the exam
  • Help them create a study schedule
  • Ensure they have the exam key from their teacher
  • Check device and internet connectivity
  • Plan to be available during exam time

During the Exam​

  • Minimize household distractions
  • Don't interrupt unless emergency
  • Keep other devices/siblings quiet
  • Be available if technical issues arise
  • Monitor from a distance (don't help with answers)

Viewing Results​

After your child completes an exam:

  1. Go to Exams → Online Exam Results
  2. View:
    • Subject and exam title
    • Marks obtained / Total marks
    • Percentage score
    • Submission date

Parent viewing child's exam results

Supporting Your Child​

If Results Are Good​

🎉 Celebrate Success - Acknowledge their hard work
📚 Encourage Consistency - Maintain study habits
💪 Build Confidence - Positive reinforcement

If Results Need Improvement​

💙 Stay Positive - Avoid harsh criticism
🤝 Understand Why - Discuss what was difficult
📖 Plan Together - Create improvement strategy
👨‍🏫 Teacher Communication - Reach out for guidance
⏰ Study Routine - Help establish regular study time

Common Parent Questions​

Q: Can I see the questions my child answered?
A: Usually no, for security reasons. Only results are shared.

Q: Can my child retake a failed exam?
A: This depends on teacher/school policy. Contact the teacher directly.

Q: What if there was a technical issue during the exam?
A: Document the issue with screenshots and contact the teacher immediately.

Q: How can I verify the results are accurate?
A: Results are auto-calculated by the system. If you suspect an error, contact the teacher.

Technical Details​

System Requirements​

For Students (Mobile App)​

Android:

  • Android 7.0 or higher
  • 2GB RAM minimum
  • Stable internet (3G/4G/Wi-Fi)
  • 100MB free storage

iOS:

  • iOS 12.0 or higher
  • iPhone 6s or newer
  • Stable internet connection
  • 100MB free storage

For All Users (Web Portal)​

Browsers:

  • Chrome 90+
  • Firefox 88+
  • Safari 14+
  • Edge 90+

Internet Speed:

  • Minimum: 2 Mbps
  • Recommended: 5 Mbps or higher

Security Features​

  • Exam Keys - 6-digit numeric codes prevent unauthorized access
  • One-Time Attempt - Students cannot retake exams
  • Time Tracking - System monitors exam duration
  • Auto-Save - Answers saved periodically
  • Auto-Submit - Automatic submission when time expires

Data & Privacy​

  • Student answers are encrypted in transit
  • Results are private to student, teachers, and parents
  • Exam data is backed up regularly
  • Access is role-based (students see only their exams)

Troubleshooting​

For Students - Detailed Scenarios​

Issue 1: "Invalid Exam Key" Error​

Symptoms:

  • Error message appears after entering exam key
  • Cannot access exam questions
  • Key is rejected repeatedly

Possible Causes:

  1. Incorrect key entered
  2. Extra spaces before/after the key
  3. Wrong exam selected
  4. Exam not yet started

Solutions:

Step 1: Verify the Exam Key

  • Double-check with your teacher
  • Ensure you have the latest key (teachers may change it)
  • Key should be exactly 6 digits (e.g., 123456)
  • No letters, spaces, or special characters

Step 2: Check Your Entry

❌ Wrong: " 123456" (space before)
❌ Wrong: "123456 " (space after)
❌ Wrong: "12 34 56" (spaces between)
✅ Correct: "123456"

Step 3: Try Again

  1. Close the exam entry screen
  2. Reopen the exam
  3. Type the key manually (don't copy-paste)
  4. Click Submit

Step 4: If Still Failing

  • Try on a different device
  • Check if you selected the correct exam
  • Verify exam has started (check start date/time)
  • Contact your teacher immediately

Prevention:

  • Get exam key directly from teacher
  • Write it down correctly before exam time
  • Test it as soon as you receive it

Issue 2: Timer Disappeared or Not Showing​

Symptoms:

  • Timer suddenly vanishes from screen
  • No indication of remaining time
  • Page looks different than usual

Immediate Actions:

Do NOT panic - your time is still counting!

  1. Note Your Start Time

    • Check your watch/clock
    • Calculate when exam should end
    • Continue answering questions

  2. Try Quick Fixes

    • Refresh the page (answers auto-saved)
    • Scroll to top of page (timer may be there)
    • Check browser zoom (may be off-screen)

  3. Continue Working

    • Don't waste time troubleshooting too long
    • Pace yourself based on total duration
    • Aim to finish 10-15 minutes early

  4. Document Issue

    • Screenshot the problem if possible
    • Note exact time it occurred
    • Report to teacher after submission

If Using Mobile App:

  • Close and reopen the app
  • Your progress should be saved
  • Timer resumes from where it was

Issue 3: Lost Internet Connection During Exam​

Symptoms:

  • "No internet" message
  • Page won't load
  • Answers not saving
  • Spinning loader icon

Immediate Response (First 30 Seconds):

STAY CALM - You have time to fix this!

  1. Don't Close the Exam

    • Keep the exam page/app open
    • Your timer is still running
    • Answers may be cached locally

  2. Reconnect Quickly

    • Check WiFi is on
    • Switch to mobile data if WiFi failed
    • Move closer to WiFi router
    • Restart WiFi router if at home

  3. Refresh Connection

    • Open another app/tab to test connection
    • Once connected, return to exam
    • Refresh the exam page/app

After Reconnecting:

  1. Check Your Progress

    • Verify previously answered questions are saved
    • Note which question you were on
    • Check timer (if visible)

  2. Resume Quickly

    • Continue from where you left off
    • Don't re-answer already completed questions
    • Work efficiently to make up lost time

  3. Submit Early

    • Don't risk another disconnection
    • Submit 5-10 minutes before deadline
    • Better to submit than lose all progress

If Connection Cannot Be Restored:

  1. Contact Teacher Immediately

    • Use phone/SMS to reach teacher
    • Explain the situation
    • Ask for time extension or resolution

  2. Document Everything

    • Screenshot error messages
    • Note exact time connection lost
    • List what you'd completed
    • This helps with appeals

Prevention for Next Time:

  • Use WiFi over mobile data (more stable)
  • Test connection before exam
  • Have backup internet source ready
  • Inform teacher of connectivity issues beforehand

Issue 4: Accidentally Closed Exam Window/App​

Symptoms:

  • Exam window/app closed unexpectedly
  • Back at home screen or browser
  • Panic sets in

Immediate Actions:

DON'T PANIC - You can resume!

For Web Portal:

  1. Reopen Browser Immediately

    • Open same browser you were using
    • Go to 4SCH portal (ngs.4sch.com)
    • Log in if needed

  2. Navigate Back to Exam

    • Go to Exams → Online Exams
    • Find the exam (should show "In Progress")
    • Click to resume

  3. Verify Your Answers

    • Check previously answered questions are there
    • Note current question number
    • Continue from where you left off

For Mobile App:

  1. Reopen App Immediately

    • Tap 4SCH Student App icon
    • App should restore session

  2. Return to Exam

    • Go to Exams tab
    • Select the exam
    • Should resume automatically

  3. Check Progress

    • Verify timer is running
    • Confirm answers are saved
    • Continue answering

Important Notes:

  • Your timer CONTINUES even when window is closed
  • Most modern systems auto-save your answers
  • You have until the timer expires to complete
  • Don't waste time - resume quickly

If Exam Won't Resume:

  • Screenshot the error
  • Contact teacher via phone/SMS
  • Explain what happened
  • Ask for resolution

Prevention:

  • Pin exam tab/window
  • Close other applications
  • Tell household members not to disturb
  • On mobile: disable button navigation if possible

Issue 5: Cannot Submit Exam - Button Disabled/Not Working​

Symptoms:

  • Submit button is grayed out
  • Nothing happens when clicking Submit
  • Stuck on last question
  • Time running out

Quick Diagnosis:

Check 1: All Questions Answered?

  • Some systems require all questions to be answered
  • Scroll through to find unanswered ones
  • Even a guess is better than blank

Check 2: Internet Connection?

  • Submission requires internet
  • Check connection status
  • Reconnect if needed

Check 3: Already Submitted?

  • Check for confirmation message
  • You may have already submitted successfully
  • Don't try to submit twice

Solutions by Cause:

Cause A: Unanswered Questions

1. Navigate to first question
2. Go through each one checking for answers
3. Select an answer for any blank ones
4. Return to last question
5. Try Submit again

Cause B: Poor Internet

1. Check internet connection
2. Reconnect if needed
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Try Submit again
5. If fails, wait and retry

Cause C: Browser/App Issue

For Web:
1. Try different browser (Chrome recommended)
2. Clear browser cache
3. Reattempt exam if time allows

For App:
1. Close and reopen app
2. Update app if outdated
3. Try on web portal instead

Last Resort (Time Almost Expired):

Your answers are auto-saved!

  1. Stop trying to submit
  2. Wait for auto-submit when time expires
  3. Your last saved answers will be submitted
  4. Check results after to confirm submission

Prevention:

  • Submit 5-10 minutes before deadline
  • Don't wait until last second
  • Review submission confirmation carefully
  • Screenshot confirmation message

Issue 6: Questions Not Loading or Partially Loading​

Symptoms:

  • Blank questions
  • Missing options
  • Images not appearing
  • Incomplete question text

Quick Fixes:

Fix 1: Refresh the Page

1. Click browser refresh (F5)
2. Or close and reopen app
3. Navigate back to exam
4. Questions should load properly

Fix 2: Check Internet Speed

1. Images require good connection
2. Switch from mobile data to WiFi
3. Move closer to WiFi source
4. Close other bandwidth-using apps

Fix 3: Browser Cache

1. Clear browser cache (web only)
2. Hard refresh: Ctrl+F5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac)
3. Reload the exam

Fix 4: Try Different Browser/Device

If available:
1. Open exam on another device
2. Use different browser
3. Continue from where you left off

If Questions Still Won't Load:

  1. Document the Issue

    • Screenshot blank/incomplete questions
    • Note question numbers affected
    • Record exact time of issue

  2. Answer What You Can See

    • Skip problematic questions
    • Answer complete questions
    • Come back if time allows

  3. Report to Teacher

    • Contact during exam if possible
    • Submit what you completed
    • Explain issue afterward

Prevention:

  • Test browser/app before exam
  • Ensure good internet speed (5+ Mbps)
  • Update app/browser to latest version
  • Use recommended browsers (Chrome, Firefox)

Issue 7: Selected Answers Not Being Saved​

Symptoms:

  • Answers disappear when navigating
  • Returns to unselected state
  • Progress not retained

Diagnosis Steps:

Test 1: Check Auto-Save

1. Select an answer on Question 1
2. Navigate to Question 2
3. Navigate back to Question 1
4. Is your answer still there?

Test 2: Browser Cookies

Web users only:
1. Check cookies are enabled
2. Allow cookies from 4sch.com
3. Don't use Incognito/Private mode

Test 3: Internet Stability

1. Answers save to server
2. Requires active connection
3. Check connection is stable

Solutions:

Solution 1: Enable Cookies (Web)

Chrome:
Settings → Privacy → Cookies → Allow all

Firefox:
Settings → Privacy → Accept cookies

Safari:
Preferences → Privacy → Uncheck "Block all cookies"

Solution 2: Stay Connected

1. Keep internet connected throughout
2. Wait 2-3 seconds after selecting answer
3. Look for save indicator (if shown)
4. Then navigate to next question

Solution 3: Use Different Browser/App

1. Switch to Chrome browser (most reliable)
2. Or use mobile app instead of web
3. Answers typically save better on app

Emergency Workaround:

  • Write down your answers on paper
  • Question number : Selected option (A/B/C/D)
  • If system fails, you have record
  • Can appeal with this evidence

For Teachers & Administrators - Detailed Scenarios​

Issue 1: Cannot Create Exam - Permission Denied​

Symptoms:

  • "Permission Denied" error
  • Create button missing or disabled
  • Cannot access online exams section

Diagnosis:

Check 1: User Role

Required roles for creating exams:
✓ School Admin
✓ Teacher (for assigned subjects only)
✗ Other staff roles cannot create

Check 2: Module Enabled

Admin should verify:
Settings → Modules → "Exam Management"
Status must be "Enabled"

Check 3: Subject Assignment

For Teachers:
- Must be assigned to teach the subject
- Check: Subject Teachers → Your Name
- Verify you're listed for the subject/class

Solutions:

Solution A: Request Permission

1. Contact School Administrator
2. Request "Online Exam" permissions
3. Or "Teacher" role assignment
4. Wait for admin to grant access

Solution B: Module Activation

Admin only:
1. Go to System Settings → Modules
2. Find "Exam Management"
3. Toggle to "Enabled"
4. Save changes

Solution C: Subject Assignment

Admin should:
1. Go to Subject Teachers
2. Assign teacher to subject/class
3. Verify assignment is saved
4. Teacher refresh browser/logout-login

Issue 2: Questions Not Appearing in Question Selection​

Symptoms:

  • Question bank appears empty
  • Cannot find created questions
  • Filter shows no results

Common Causes & Fixes:

Cause 1: Wrong Class/Subject Filter

✓ Questions are filtered by:
  - Class (must match exam class)
  - Subject (must match exam subject)
  
Fix:
1. Verify exam's class and subject
2. Create questions for same class/subject
3. Or adjust exam to match existing questions

Cause 2: Questions Already Added

✓ Questions assigned to exam are excluded from list

Fix:
1. Check exam's question list
2. Remove and re-add if needed
3. Or create new questions

Cause 3: No Questions Exist

✓ Question bank is actually empty

Fix:
1. Create questions first
2. Or import from Excel
3. Then add to exam

Cause 4: Semester/Session Mismatch

Some schools use semesters:
1. Check exam's semester
2. Verify questions created for same semester
3. Adjust filters accordingly

Solutions:

Solution 1: Create Questions First

Before creating exam:
1. Go to Online Exam Questions
2. Create questions for class/subject
3. Mark difficulty levels
4. Then create exam and select questions

Solution 2: Import Questions

For bulk creation:
1. Download Excel template
2. Fill in questions (class, subject, options)
3. Import file
4. Verify import successful
5. Then add to exam

Solution 3: Check Filters

When selecting questions:
1. Clear all filters
2. Select correct class
3. Select correct subject
4. Questions should appear

Issue 3: Students Cannot Start Exam - "Already Attempted" Error​

Symptoms:

  • Student gets "Already Attempted" message
  • Student hasn't actually taken the exam
  • Cannot access exam questions

Diagnosis:

Check 1: Student Status Table

Admin/Teacher:
1. Check student_online_exam_status table
2. Look for student_id + exam_id combination
3. Status values:
   - 1 = Started but not submitted
   - 2 = Completed/Submitted

Check 2: Demo Mode

If in DEMO_MODE:
- System resets attempts automatically
- Issue shouldn't occur
- Check environment configuration

Causes:

Cause A: Student Actually Started

  • Student clicked "Start Exam"
  • Entered exam key
  • But didn't submit
  • System marked as "in progress"

Cause B: System Glitch

  • Rare database inconsistency
  • Incorrect status recorded
  • Needs manual correction

Cause C: Testing/Multiple Attempts

  • Admin/Teacher tested with student account
  • Previous test attempt recorded
  • Needs cleanup

Solutions:

Solution 1: Clear Student Attempt (Admin)

Database cleanup:
1. Access database management
2. Find: student_online_exam_status table
3. Delete row where:
   - student_id = [student's ID]
   - online_exam_id = [exam ID]
4. Also check: online_exam_student_answers
5. Delete corresponding rows
6. Student can now attempt

Solution 2: Create New Exam

Quick workaround:
1. Duplicate the problematic exam
2. Give it slightly different title
3. Assign same questions
4. Share new exam key
5. Students attempt new exam

Solution 3: Contact Support

If unable to resolve:
1. Document the issue
2. Note student ID and exam ID
3. Contact 4SCH technical support
4. Provide database access if requested

Prevention:

  • Advise students not to click "Start" unless ready
  • Test exams with dummy student accounts
  • Clear test data before publishing exam
  • Train teachers on testing procedures

Issue 4: Results Not Calculating Correctly​

Symptoms:

  • Wrong marks displayed
  • Percentage doesn't match
  • Missing student results

Diagnosis Steps:

Check 1: Marks Assignment

Verify each question:
1. Open exam → View questions
2. Check marks for each question
3. Total should match expected
4. Ensure no blank/zero marks

Check 2: Answer Validation

For multiple-answer questions:
1. Verify ALL correct answers marked
2. Check no extra answers marked correct
3. Student must select exact combination

Check 3: Database Records

Technical check:
1. Verify answers saved in database
2. Check option IDs match
3. Confirm marks calculation query

Common Issues:

Issue A: Multiple Answer Grading

❌ Problem:
Question has options A, B, C, D
Correct answers: A, C
Student selected: A, C
Shows: 0 marks

✓ Solution:
Check question setup:
- Both A and C marked as correct in database
- No other options marked correct
- Re-verify correct answers

Issue B: Question Marks Changed After Exam

❌ Problem:
Teacher changed marks after students attempted

✓ Solution:
Marks are fixed at time of assignment
Cannot change after students start
Create new exam if marks wrong

Issue C: Missing Student Submission

❌ Problem:
Student submitted but not in results

✓ Check:
1. student_online_exam_status: status = 2
2. online_exam_student_answers: has records
3. Database transaction completed
4. Re-run results calculation if needed

Solutions:

Solution 1: Recalculate Results

Admin action:
1. Access exam results page
2. Click "Recalculate" (if available)
3. Or run database update query
4. Refresh results view

Solution 2: Verify Question Configuration

For each question:
1. Edit question
2. Check correct answer(s) marked
3. Verify marks value is set
4. Save changes
5. Re-test with sample submission

Solution 3: Manual Grade Adjustment

Last resort:
1. Calculate correct marks manually
2. Update exam_results table directly
3. Document the correction
4. Inform student of adjustment

Issue 5: Exam Time Expires But Students Can Still Access​

Symptoms:

  • End date/time passed
  • Students can still start exam
  • Should be closed but isn't

Diagnosis:

Check 1: Date/Time Settings

Verify:
- End date is in correct format
- Time zone is correct
- Server time matches expected
- End date is truly in the past

Check 2: System Time

Technical check:
1. Compare server time vs. local time
2. Check PHP/system timezone setting
3. Verify database stores UTC or local time
4. Confirm comparison logic is correct

Solutions:

Solution 1: Update End Date

Quick fix:
1. Edit exam
2. Set end date to past date
3. Save changes
4. Students should no longer access

Solution 2: Manually Close Exam

Admin action:
1. Access database
2. Update exam status to "closed"
3. Or set end_date to now() - 1 day
4. Verify students cannot start

Solution 3: System Time Sync

Technical fix:
1. Check server timezone configuration
2. Sync server time with NTP
3. Verify PHP timezone setting
4. Restart web server if needed

Rare But Critical Issues​

Database Connection Lost During Exam​

Symptoms:

  • Multiple students report simultaneous errors
  • All exams failing at once
  • Server not responding

Immediate Actions:

For Administrators:

  1. Check Database Server

    1. Verify database service is running
    2. Check connection credentials
    3. Test database connectivity
    4. Review error logs

  2. Notify Students & Teachers

    1. Send announcement about issue
    2. Pause all ongoing exams if possible
    3. Document affected exams
    4. Note time of disruption

  3. Restore Service

    1. Restart database service
    2. Verify web application connects
    3. Test with sample exam
    4. Announce service restoration

  4. Student Recovery

    1. Extend exam deadlines
    2. Allow re-attempts for affected students
    3. Manually grade if needed
    4. Document incident for records

Mass Cheating Detected​

Indicators:

  • Identical answer patterns across multiple students
  • Unrealistic completion times
  • Perfect scores from struggling students
  • Sequential submission times

Investigation Steps:

  1. Review Submission Data

    Check:
    - Submission timestamps
    - Answer patterns
    - Time taken per question
    - IP addresses (if logged)

  2. Compare Answers

    Look for:
    - Exact same wrong answers
    - Same answer sequence
    - Unrealistic similarity

  3. Interview Students

    Ask about:
    - How they prepared
    - Where they took exam
    - Who was nearby
    - Any collaboration

Prevention Measures:

  1. Random Question Order

    Implementation:
    - Shuffle question sequence per student
    - Randomize option order
    - Different students see different order

  2. Strict Monitoring

    During exam:
    - Proctoring if in-person
    - Camera monitoring if remote
    - Lockdown browser if available

  3. Different Question Sets

    Advanced:
    - Create multiple exam versions
    - Use random question selection
    - Different questions, same topics

Emergency Contact Procedures​

For Students​

  1. During Exam: Contact teacher via phone/SMS immediately
  2. After Hours: Email teacher with issue details
  3. Critical Issues: Contact school admin office

For Teachers​

  1. Technical Issues: Contact school IT administrator
  2. System Down: Email 4SCH support with details
  3. Urgent: Call school admin for immediate assistance

For Administrators​

  1. System Critical: Contact 4SCH technical support
  2. Database Issues: Contact hosting provider
  3. Security Concerns: Escalate to 4SCH security team

Remember: Most issues have simple solutions. Stay calm, follow troubleshooting steps, and don't hesitate to ask for help!

Best Practices Summary​

For School Administrators​

✅ Build comprehensive question banks
✅ Train teachers on the system
✅ Monitor exam participation rates
✅ Review system performance regularly
✅ Backup exam data periodically

For Teachers​

✅ Create diverse question types
✅ Test exams before assigning to students
✅ Provide clear instructions
✅ Set realistic time limits
✅ Review results for insights

For Students​

✅ Prepare well before exam day
✅ Ensure stable internet connection
✅ Start exams promptly
✅ Manage time effectively
✅ Review results to improve

For Parents​

✅ Provide supportive environment
✅ Monitor without interfering
✅ Encourage consistent study habits
✅ Communicate with teachers
✅ Celebrate achievements

Getting Help​

Having Issues with Online Exams?​

Students:

  • Contact your teacher first
  • Message via 4SCH chat system
  • Check the FAQ

Teachers & Administrators:

Parents:

  • Contact your child's teacher
  • Email school administration
  • Check the Parent Guide

Next Steps​

For Administrators:

For Teachers:

For Students:

For Parents:

Online exams make assessment efficient and provide instant feedback. Use them effectively to enhance teaching and learning! 📝✨

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