Remove Physical Invigilation for Online Exams with Auto Proctoring

The traditional method of physical invigilation has limitations in terms of its scalability and logistics. An invigilator needs to be physically present at the examination centre to supervise the candidates. 

The candidates were required to visit the examination centre in order to appear even for online exams. But these impractical traditions are becoming obsolete as they are being replaced by new age concept of proctoring online exams and auto proctoring. Let us understand these concepts.

Technology like proctoring (supervising) is helping online exams scale up in terms of accessibility, the highest form of security, identification of exam malpractices, etc. 

Splashgain has introduced Eklavvya as a platform which is technologically advanced and thus helps to conduct proctoring online exams in the simplest and most secure manner. Many different proctoring techniques and features come as a part of Ekalvvya’s Professional plan which not only helps to schedule and organize online exams for a very high number of candidates but also helps to prevent cheating or any malpractice no matter what.

Auto proctoring process can automate exam invigilation and candidate authentication while conducting online exams. The invigilators can sit at a location which is far away from the candidate and control the exam.  They can check the validity of their identity as also supervise them remotely.

As a result of this, the online exams can be easily conducted for multiple users situated across geography, multiple cities without worrying about cheating and malpractices. It enables the candidates to appear for the proctoring online exam from any location. Thus, Auto proctoring plays a significant role in eliminating the location constraints associated with the exam centre.

Now let us see how Auto proctoring actually works to prevent cheating during proctoring online exams. 

Auto Proctoring

Auto proctoring, also known as automated proctoring, is the use of technology to monitor and assess the authenticity of online exams and assessments. Auto proctoring systems use a combination of hardware and software to monitor the test-taker’s environment and behavior during the exam, and to detect any potential cheating or misconduct.

Auto proctoring systems may use a variety of methods to monitor the test-taker, such as webcam monitoring, screen recording, keystroke monitoring, and facial recognition. The system may also use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze the data collected during the exam to identify any potential issues or irregularities.

Auto proctoring can be an effective way to ensure the integrity and reliability of online exams and assessments, particularly in cases where traditional proctoring methods are not practical or feasible. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential privacy and ethical implications of using auto proctoring systems, as well as the potential impact on test-takers.

Image-based Proctoring

Capture candidate photo during online exams

Image proctoring is a lightweight mechanism which is used to capture images after certain intervals of time using the web camera. This mechanism proves very handy especially where limitations associated with internet bandwidth exist.

This mechanism of Auto proctoring is useful in order to verify the identity of the remote candidate who is attempting the online exam.

Now, let us consider a scenario related to image proctoring. Imagine, if a candidate is attempting an online exam from any location. Image proctoring is used to capture the photographs or images of the candidates appearing for the proctoring online exam. 

The system can be configured in such a way that a photograph of the remote candidate can be captured after every 30 or 40 seconds or 1 minute. If the online exam is for 60 minutes, then at the end of the exam approximately 40 to 60 such images will be available which can be stored in the database. 

The exam invigilator can analyze these images and verify the identity of the associated candidate appearing for the proctoring online exam and based on that identity verification, it can be concluded that the exam has been conducted in a fair manner or not. 

Eklavvya platform supports image proctoring and also provides customization as per the customer requirements. While defining an online exam with Eklavvya you can opt for the proctoring online exams which would enable you to define the time interval in seconds in order to capture the image of the candidate appearing for the exam. 

These images can be verified or seen in the result panel for keeping an eye on the candidates showing some suspicious movements.

There is also a facility available to verify candidates’ identity at the start of an online exam. During this process, the candidate needs to show his/her valid identity cards before starting the online exam.

Remote exam invigilator needs to verify this identity card and approve it to initiate the remote online exam for the user.

Candidate Photo Capturing Process

Video-based Proctoring

Continuous video streaming for proctored online exams

Another interesting technique of Auto proctoring is video based proctoring. The web camera is used to capture the video of the candidate giving the exam. The exam invigilator can monitor the candidate continuously through the web camera. Thus the control of the web camera attached to the computer is taken by the system for continuous video streaming of the candidate. This helps to track the activity of the candidate during the entire exam.

Let us image a scenario where there are 40 to 50 candidates who are attempting your online exam from multiple locations. The remote exam invigilator can log in to the system and can monitor entire activity associated with those remote candidates. The system also saves entire video streaming activity in the database for future analysis.

During audit process, those video footages can be easily viewed in case of any discrepancy. Thus the video recordings can used to verify if the exam was attempted in an authorized manner and if it is clear of any unfair means or not.

Eklavvya platform supports remote video proctoring processes where candidate activity is tracked during the entire exam process. It is also recorded in the form of a video. This video is accessible to exam invigilators for audit purposes.

These two mechanisms of image proctoring or video proctoring are very useful while conducting proctoring online exams.

Remote Proctoring Process

Audio-based Proctoring

Audio proctoring is one more important technique of Auto proctoring. The system is designed to capture the audio or voices coming from the candidate’s background with the help of a speaker or microphone. 

The system can capture the slightest sound like murmuring of people or flipping of pages with the help of this audio proctoring mechanism. If the system catches even a smallest deflation in the sound waves, it raises an error notification to the invigilator. The invigilator has the privilege to pause or terminate the exams in case of any discrepancy.

The system also stores this audio as an audio recording clip which can help the invigilator to review and analyse it again and again. This helps the invigilator to ensure that the candidate is not taking any help from other people users or is not talking to someone during online exam activity.

Thus, audio capturing and analysis can be the additional but very useful proctoring mechanism which will help to ensure fairness and authenticity of the online examination process.

There are a lot of multinational organizations as also various educational institutions which are conducting Online Exams successfully with the help of video, image and other Auto proctoring services provided by the Eklavvya’s platform. The appreciation showed by them for Eklavvya has made it India’s award winning platform for conducting proctoring online exams.

If you are interested in understanding how video proctoring or image proctoring works, you can watch the videos available on out YouTube channel or you can even connect with us for the demonstration purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Auto Proctoring

How does auto proctoring work?


Auto proctoring systems use a combination of hardware (such as webcams and microphones) and software to monitor the test-taker’s environment and behavior during the exam. 

The system may use techniques such as webcam monitoring, screen recording, keystroke monitoring, and facial recognition to collect data about the test-taker. The system may also use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze the data and identify any potential issues or irregularities.

What are the potential privacy and ethical concerns with auto proctoring?

Auto proctoring systems may collect a large amount of data about the test-taker’s environment and behavior, which could raise privacy and ethical concerns. It is important for organizations to clearly communicate their auto proctoring policies and practices to test-takers, and to ensure that the data collected is used only for the purpose of monitoring the exam and detecting cheating or misconduct.

Can auto proctoring systems accurately detect cheating or misconduct?


Auto proctoring systems may be able to accurately detect certain types of cheating or misconduct, such as copying from another source or using unauthorized materials. However, the accuracy of the system may vary depending on the specific methods used and the complexity of the exam. 

It is important for organizations to carefully consider the limitations of auto proctoring systems when determining their appropriateness for a given exam or assessment.

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