An analysis has been done to assess the impact of taking mock test on the performance of Independent Directors in their actual online self-assessment test in the Independent Directors Databank. The key takeaways of the analysis are briefly discussed as follows:

 

A brief about Mock Test

 

The Independent Directors (IDs) databank provides support to its registered members to prepare for Self-Assessment Test by encouraging them to avail the mock tests facility while using its digital platform. So, Mock Test helps the individual IDs to assess their own capability & proficiency. It also prepares the IDs for online self-assessment test and helps them to attempt it successfully.

 

The mock tests are designed in such a way so as to give the candidates a feel of the real environment in which they attempt the online self assessment tests. The questions asked are more or less of the same nature as are there in the self assessment tests. Thus, it can be said that Mock Tests are a precursor to actual Self-Assessment Test, familiarizing IDs about online proficiency Self-Assessment test and test environment (system requirements, camera, time alignment etc.). Further, it aims to build the confidence of the users until they are satisfied through repeated and multiple attempts. For the convenience of the candidates, they can take mock tests anytime and from anywhere. Further, they can select and attempt Mock Test slot at their own convenience.

 

Mock Test can be accessed after login from dashboard. After that, the user has to click on “Take Mock Test” for launching appropriate page, then Select “Mock Test” >Go to Test > Launch Test.

 

A brief about Self-Assessment Test

 

Every individual registered or empanelled in ID databank is required to pass an Online Proficiency Self-Assessment test conducted by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) within a period of one year from the date of inclusion of his name in the databank, excluding those exempted from the tests.

 

Individuals empanelled in the Independent Directors’ Databank can appear for the Online Proficiency Self-Assessment Test by following some simple steps. They have to login to the ID databank; attempt the test by booking the slots as per their convenience; and get the test results instantly after finishing the test. More importantly, there is no limit on the number of attempts to pass the test. Another significant aspect is that the online tests are conducted thrice every day. Test result announcements are automatic and immediately communicated to the candidates with scores obtained. Successful candidates can download the certificates instantly.

 

The tests are conducted thrice a day having morning, afternoon and night slots every day containing Multiple Choice Questions. The candidates have to attempt 50 questions having 2 marks for each question. So, the entire question paper consists of 100 marks and the duration of the test is 75 minutes.

 

Effect of taking Mock Tests on the Online Self Assessment Test

 

The impact of taking Mock Tests on the performance of Independent Directors while appearing for online self assessment tests is positive. It has been substantiated with the help of following graphs and their related explanations:

 

From 02 December 2019 i.e. the launching date of ID Databank to 20 August 2020, Independent Directors attempted 32,000 Mock Tests based on their convenience and preparedness.

 

Figure 1 below shows number of persons (frequency in Y-axis) who availed Mock Tests multiple times (interval in X-axis).

 

As shown in the above figure, there are multiple instances of individuals taking as high as 350 plus Mock tests, indicating interests among IDs to use it as an appropriate tool to assess their own capability & proficiency, until satisfied.

 

Based on the analysis period (from 01 March 2020 to 20 August 2020) to know the effect of taking the mock test on the performance in self-assessment tests; 5430 candidates passed and there are 216 users who have again taken the self assessment tests. A first level analysis suggests there are combinational instances of IDs taking Mock Tests as a preparatory tool for Self-assessment tests. Table 1 captures few such combinations.

 

Table 1

 

Observation from the above table:

Table 1 shows following facts on Self-Assessment Tests Results and Mock Test as a preparatory tool:

 

• Those who took zero Mock tests passed 93% of the times while appearing for self-assessment tests


• Those who took (01 – 05) Mock tests passed 96% of the times while appearing for self-assessment tests


• Those who took (06 – 20) Mock tests passed 97% of the times while appearing for self-assessment tests


• Those who took (21 – 100) Mock tests passed 98% of the times while appearing for self-assessment tests


• Those who took (100+ Mock tests) passed 100% of the times while appearing for self-assessment tests

 

Hence, the above table proves that availing the facility of Mock Test increases the pass percentage of the candidates.

 

Furthermore, Figure 2 below is a graphical representation which substantiates the observations arrived at in Table 1 by showing that Self-Assessment Pass percentage improves with increasing the number of Mock Tests attempted.

 

Table 2

 

From Table 2, it can be inferred that users who have taken more than 100 mock tests have zero retake in self assessment test i.e. they have passed at single attempt.