When we imagine an examination hall, we think of crowded halls and stressful commutes. Learners keep reimagining and getting familiar with the core concepts on and on until they hear the ding. But in 2025, everything is instant gratification. And this trend has slowly moved towards the educational sector too.   

Yes, it applies to the examination process as well. The biggest advantage of online learning is that, from admission through classes, projects, and assignments to examinations, every step is online. Students have the utmost convenience to study anywhere, anytime. And to set this up, all you need is a laptop, a webcam, and a good internet connection.   

It might all sound so easy, but it comes with its fair share of rules and regulations. This blog details how universities at Online Manipal conduct examinations online. The process includes exam registration, guidelines on setup and conduct, and step-by-step instructions for submission. It helps prospective learners understand exactly how to align their approach to meet all requirements.   

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Common Exam Procedures 

The examination process for online students is pretty simple, and it starts with the exam schedule being sent to students and ends with the results. The procedure is as discussed below: 

Exam Schedule  

Candidates will receive an email or SMS notification about the examination schedule in advance. This helps students to plan and book the examination slots according to their schedule.  

Exam Equipment 

The most important commonality is the need for specific, non-negotiable hardware and software requirements to ensure a secure and stable testing environment. 

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Safe Examination Browser (SEB) 

Online Manipal relies on the SEB application to lock down the testing environment. This prevents candidates from checking other applications, files, or the internet during the exam, which is the fundamental function for remote proctoring and maintaining exam integrity. 

Slot Booking   

Candidates can consider their schedule and book exam slots accordingly on the OBES portal. Below are the links to refer to university wise.  

• SMU OBES Walkthrough video 

• MAHE OBES Walkthrough video – Windows 

• MAHE OBES Walkthrough video – MAC 

• MUJ Walkthrough video 

e-Admit Card  

An e-admit card will be available to the students on the OBES portal after they book the exam slots. 

Exam  

Exams are online proctored and can be taken by students from the convenience of their homes on a compatible device which meets the requirements mentioned in the tables below. 

Answering Mechanism 

The method for answering descriptive and numerical questions is standardized across the universities: 

• Typing Required: Answers for descriptive questions must be typed directly into the text window provided within the exam interface. 

• Math Tool Integration: For subjects involving mathematical or statistical equations, the use of an integrated Math Tool to key responses is important. 

• No Handwritten Upload: Crucially, there is no option for QR code-based upload of handwritten responses.  
• Examination Submission 

• End Test Button: Universities use an “END TEST“ button for final submission. 

• Time Restriction: The “END TEST” button is typically enabled only after a certain amount of time has passed (e.g., 60 minutes for MAHE), regardless of the test duration. 

• Final Confirmation: Submission is always followed by a dialog box that requires the candidate to confirm the submission of all answered and unanswered questions (e.g., clicking ‘Yes’ or ‘Confirm’). 

The end submission process consists of specific steps to ensure the test is completed: 

Evaluation and results  

Exam submissions will be evaluated, and results will be declared and communicated to the learners. Learners have to score a minimum percentage to pass exams. 

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MAHE’s Pre-Examination Requirements 

Category	Requirement
System	Desktop or Laptop	Mobile/Tablet/iPad are NOT supported.
Operating System	Windows 10 and above OR macOS 11 [Big Sur] or later.	Administrator access is required for installation.
Hardware	Intel Core i5 10th Gen+ (2.4 Ghz+), 8 GB RAM, 1024×768 screen resolution.	Must have an internal or external Web Camera and Microphone running natively in the OS.
Internet	5 MBPS or more continuous bandwidth.	The maximum data usage for a 150-minute exam is 2.5 GB.
Software	Latest Chrome browser and Net Version 4.5.2 or above.	Antivirus/Windows Defender must be disabled during the SEB download and installation process.

MUJ’s Pre-Examination Requirements 

Category	Requirement	Key Details
System	Desktop or Laptop	Mobile/Tablet/iPad are NOT supported.
Operating System	Windows 10 and above	Must be up-to-date and the exam will only run on Windows.
Hardware	Intel Core i5 10th Gen or above with 2.4 Ghz or more clock speed, 8 GB or above, Resolution 640×480 (15 fps)	Must have an internal or external Web Camera and Microphone running natively in the OS.
Internet	5 MBPS or more continuous bandwidth	Mandatory, for active connection with good speed.
Software	Chrome / Edge browser.	Antivirus/Windows Defender must be disabled during the SEB download.

SMU’s Pre-Examination Requirements 

Category	Requirement	Key Details
System	Desktop or Laptop	Mandatory.
Operating System	Windows 10 and above ONLY	The exam will run only on a Windows operating system.
Hardware	Intel Core i5 10th Gen+ (2.4 Ghz+), 8 GB RAM, 1024×768 screen resolution.	Mandatory Web Camera (640×480 resolution, 15 fps) and Microphone (external or internal).
Internet	5 MBPS (steady internet connection).	Candidates can check their speed at http://www.speedtest.net.
Software	Chrome / Edge browser.	Antivirus/Windows Defender must be disabled during the SEB download.

Consequences for Malpractice 

When it comes to malpractice, learners are severely punished as per the level they intend to get to. Have a note of the below:  

• L1 (Level 1) 

In case of single involvement of a mobile phone, leaving the seat or an unidentified face is detected, then they have reached level 1. This will result in invalidating/nullifying the examination of the particular subject attempted. 

• L2 (Level 2) 

If the previously mentioned malpractice is repeated more than once within the same exam cycle, then the learner will be invalidated or nullified in the examination for all the subjects registered for the current exam cycle. 

• L3 (Level 3) 

Level 3 is the highest and the most intolerable level of malpractice. Students will be invalidated/nullified of all the subjects and will be debarred for registering in any course for the next one academic year. 

Bottom line 

Online degree programs have risen in popularity over the last few years as it helps students and professionals enhance their career prospects and also offer the flexibility to gain a degree at their own convenience. It is a great option for those students who do not have the ability to go to a university and pursue a degree owing to certain commitments. 

If you are looking to upskill, visit Online Manipal and to explore in-demand online programs from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal University Jaipur, and Sikkim Manipal University in data science, business analytics, management, computer applications, arts, and more. Explore in-demand online degrees to upskill on-the-go.