What happens if the computer terminal shuts down or experiences power failure during CBT?

Every response is continuously saved on a central local server in real-time. If your terminal freezes, the invigilator shifts you to a reserve system; your timer resumes exactly from the second it stopped without loss of answers.

Does 'Marked for Review' count towards evaluation in SSC and Railway CBTs?

If you select an answer option AND mark it for review, it IS evaluated and counted for marks (and negative marking). If you mark for review WITHOUT selecting an answer, it is not evaluated.

Are rough sheets provided in CBT exams?

Yes. Candidates receive physical rough scratch sheets and pens/pencils at the workstation for rough calculations. You must return all rough sheets before leaving the lab.

Can I change my answer after selecting it in CBT?

Yes. Unlike OMR sheets where pen markings are permanent, in CBT you can click another option or click 'Clear Response' to unselect an option at any time before the test timer expires.

Is there a virtual calculator on screen in CBT exams?

Virtual calculators are permitted only in specific engineering or actuarial exams (like GATE or specialized SSC Paper II). Standard general recruitment CBTs (SSC CGL, Banking, RRB NTPC) do not provide on-screen calculators.

What should I do if the clock on my computer screen runs out?

You do not need to press any submit button. When the countdown reaches 00:00:00, the examination server automatically submits and locks all your saved responses.

Can I switch between sections freely in all CBT exams?

In SSC and Railway exams, you can switch freely between sections (Maths, English, Reasoning, GA) at will. However, in Banking exams (IBPS, SBI), there is strict sectional timing (typically 20 minutes per section) where switching is disabled.

What Is CBT in Government Exams? Computer Based Test Explained – YuvaResult.in

What Is CBT in Government Exams? Computer Based Test Explained

Complete guide to Computer Based Tests (CBT) in government recruitments. Explains the on-screen question palette, color indicators, navigation, countdown timer, auto-save mechanisms, and exam-day guidelines.

By Yuva Result Career Research & Guidance Desk•Senior Government Career Strategist & Examination Analyst

Updated: 26 Sept 2026

YuvaResult Exam Mechanics • Computer Based Test Demystification

Computer Based Tests (CBT) have replaced paper examinations across major recruitment boards including SSC, RRB, IBPS, and NTA. Learn how the exam software operates so technical unfamiliarity never costs you marks.

1. What is a Computer Based Test (CBT)?

A Computer Based Test (CBT) is an examination administered electronically on a dedicated computer workstation connected to a secure Local Area Network (LAN) at designated testing centers. Instead of receiving a printed question booklet and filling an OMR sheet, questions appear on your monitor, and you record responses using a mouse.

CBT exams are hosted on closed intranets without internet connectivity to prevent digital malpractices. All candidate interactions are logged, timestamped, and transmitted directly to central evaluation servers.

2. The On-Screen Question Palette: Color Codes Decoded

On the right side of your CBT screen, a numerical Question Palette displays the real-time status of every question in the paper. Standardized color codes include:

Silver / Grey: Not Visited yet.

Orange / Red: Visited but Not Answered.

Green: Answered (Saved & Evaluated).

Purple: Marked for Review (No Answer).

Purple with Small Green Circle: Answered AND Marked for Review (Will be evaluated!).

3. Crucial Navigation Buttons & Best Practices

Save & Next (Crucial!):

Selecting a radio button alone DOES NOT save your response. You MUST click "Save & Next" to register the answer. If you simply click another question on the palette without clicking Save & Next, your selected option is discarded.

Clear Response:

If you selected an option and later decide you are uncertain, click "Clear Response" to unmark it completely and protect yourself from negative marking.

Mark for Review & Next:

Flags the question so you can quickly jump back to it during the final minutes. Use this for questions where you have eliminated two options but need extra calculation time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. You only need basic mouse operation skills (pointing and left-clicking on radio buttons). In objective tests, no typing is required unless you are appearing for a specific typing test or descriptive module.