Electronic MCQ answering system for classroom e-learning and examination

Computer based MCQ Examination can be a very reliable way of taking exams in class. Since there is an involvement of a machine, the marking and taking of the exam is easier and faster, but the process requires a computer for each examinee, so it cannot be held in ordinary classrooms. In this paper we used combinational logic circuits and readily available ICs to build up a hardware setup that could be used to take and mark exams with the aid of a single central computer for any number of candidates in any place. The setup consists of a single unit of answering console for each candidate, with answering buttons and an in-built memory unit to store the required answer. These consoles are centrally attached to a hub through which the answers are fed into the central computer by software that controls the input and output data lines of the computer. The answers are calculated and displayed on screen dynamically for fast feedback to students and ensure effective classroom learning.