How Your Marks Are Split
SMU has divided examinations in two parts: TEE and IA. TEE is the term-end examination, of 70 marks, held at the end of the semester. IA is an internal assessment. In the Online MBA, IA is the assignments given by the university of 30 marks.
The 40% pass rule is applied on TEE and IA separately. So in one subject you need a minimum 28 out of 70 in the term end exam and minimum 12 out of 30 in an Internal assignment. If a student gets 60 in the exam but only 8 in assignments, the total is 68, still the student has to re-sit the assignment part.
The project in 4th semester is evaluated in its own way. We have written about it in the SMU online MBA for working professionals post.
Assignments (30 Marks)
Assignments are done at home in your own time. There is no webcam or time limit while writing them. The university posts the assignments and their last dates on the student portal.
Students mostly lose the marks in IA because of late submission or copied answers, but not because the questions are difficult. In the first two months of the semester most people feel there is a lot of time, and set them aside for later.
Some points to keep in mind:
- Note down the last date of every assignment as soon as it comes on the portal.
- Write answers in your own language. Answers copied from the internet or from a batchmate can be caught.
- Working students can give examples from their own office work, it makes the answer stronger.
- Submit 2-3 days before the last date. On the final day the portal is slow.
If assignments are written properly, a good part of the exam preparation also gets done with them.
Term-End Exam (70 Marks)
The term-end exam is held at the end of each semester. It is a computer-based, online proctored exam. Proctored means the exam software monitors the student through a webcam during the examination. Students can give it from anywhere whether it is an office or home, there is no exam centre.
The question paper has MCQs and descriptive questions. Descriptive answers have to be typed in the text box given on the screen. Many working students are not used to typing long answers on a keyboard, so it is better to practise typing 2-3 answers before the exam.
Exam date and time is given on the photo admit card. Other exam related notices are shared on the student portal.
Things required for the exam
A laptop or desktop with a working webcam is needed. Mobile phones or tablets cannot be used. Generally students use Windows with the latest Google Chrome. Check the device requirements on the portal before the exam, as they can be updated.
The Internet should be stable. Keep a mobile hotspot ready as backup in case of power cut or Wi-Fi problem. Sit in a closed room where family members will not come in during the paper.
Before the exam
Students who plan to use an office laptop should check it a few days before. Many company laptops do not allow installing new software, and the exam software may not run.
On exam day login some time before the start, because identity check and camera setup take a few minutes. Keep the desk clear and the phone away unless the instructions allow it. Keep the laptop charger connected.
If You Fail a Paper
Results are published on the student portal. If a student does not clear any exam, in TEE or IA or in both, only that paper has to be given again. The full semester exams are not required to appear again.
For back papers, students have to apply through the re-sitting application and pay the fee within the due date. Once the fee is submitted they are eligible to appear for the back paper with the upcoming examination cycle. If the due date is missed, the student has to wait for the next cycle, and the degree gets delayed.
According to our past experience, students who have failed a paper mostly had a lot of office work in that month and could not revise. If your work has a heavy season, like March closing for accounts people or the festival season in retail, keep that in mind while planning the semester.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Not submitting one assignment | Re-sit in IA even after good exam marks |
| Checking office laptop on exam day | Exam software may not install |
| No backup internet | Paper can get disturbed if Wi-Fi stops |
| No typing practice | Descriptive answers remain incomplete |
| Not checking the portal | Important notices get missed |
Students who are yet to choose their specialisations can read our post on SMU online MBA dual specialisation.
Have doubts about the online exam?
Call us and share your doubts, it can be about devices, the internet or any subject. Our counsellor will explain the full exam process before you take admission.
