Conduct of Written Examinations on electronic mode (tablet based) in place of the conventional paper based system.

**Executive Summary** This circular, dated November 25, 2016, from the Directorate General of Shipping, announces the introduction of electronic tablet-based written examinations for Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) grades of Certificate of Competency (CoC) in place of the conventional paper-based system. It follows positive reports from IIT Bombay and satisfactory trial runs. The circular details the affected examinations and the schedule for implementing the new system, starting November/December 2016. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Introduction of Tablet-Based Examinations:** * The Directorate is introducing electronic tablets for NCV examinations in place of the paper system. * This transition aims to increase transparency, enable digital evaluation, and reduce reliance on paper records. * The tablet-based system was developed by the Institute of Marine Engineers and vetted by IIT Bombay. * **Scope of Implementation:** * Initially, all NCV examinations previously conducted on paper through IME(I) for Engineering grades and LBS CAMSAR for Nautical grades will be conducted electronically. * The system will be introduced starting with MEO CI. III (NCV-CEO) in November 2016, followed by other NCV grades in December 2016 and January 2017. * Examinations requiring specialized drawings or data not supported on tablets will continue on paper. * **Location for Examinations:** * Tablet-based engineering grade NCV examinations will be conducted at IMEI house, Nerul. * A separate notification will be issued regarding scheduled dates and venue for Nautical Grade NCV Examination. * **Specific Examinations Affected:** * **Exams on Tablet:** Marine Engineering Knowledge (Motor), Marine Electro-technology, Marine Engineering Practice, Ship Operations Control and Shipboard Personnel Care. Applied Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Applied Heat. Marine Engineering Knowledge (General), Marine Engineering Knowledge (Motor), Marine Electro-technology, Marine Engineering Practice, Ship Safety and Environmental Protections-. Engineering Management. * **Exams on Paper:** The Marine Engineering Knowledge (General). The Engineering Drawing. The Naval Architecture & Ship Construction. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Candidates for NCV Examinations** * **Impact:** * NCV examination candidates will be required to take certain exams on tablets instead of paper. * Evaluation will be done online. * **Action Required:** * Prepare for the tablet-based format for the listed examinations according to the specified schedule. **Stakeholder: Maritime Training Institutes** * **Impact:** * Need to adapt training programs to prepare students for tablet-based examinations. * **Action Required:** * Update curriculum and provide training on using tablets for examinations. **Stakeholder: Examination and Assessment Centers (IMEI, LBS CAMSAR)** * **Impact:** * IMEI house, Nerul to prepare infrastructure. * **Action Required:** * To conduct engineering grade NCV examination. **Stakeholder: Directorate General of Shipping** * **Impact:** * Oversee and manage the transition to tablet-based examinations. * **Action Required:** * Issue a separate notification regarding schedules and venues for the Nautical Grade NCV Examination.

Key Entities Referenced