The examination will be conducted within a secured browser environment where students can access the questions as well as medium to provide answers. All answers must be typed in. There will be no provision for submission of handwritten and scanned answer scripts.

Subjects where R-Studio, MS Word and/or MS Excel software is required can be accessed within the platform itself.

This secured environment will be invigilated through online live proctors

It is essential that you meet the minimum hardware and software requirements for the exam browser. These requirements may vary slightly from one exam session to another. Therefore, always refer to the Registration Announcement or official communication for the specific exam session you are appearing for.

We expect the students to meet the above requirements before the mock test. Please not that mock is not optional but mandatory for students to sit for main exam.

You are strongly advised to equip yourself with the aforementioned software and hardware requirements well prior the actual examination. In the absence of one, you will find yourself incapable of accessing the online platform and resultantly lose an attempt.

Click Here to check the system compatibility.

The minimum software version requirement for MS Office and R based examinations are provided earlier in answer to FAQ 25.

      Please take note of the following:

• You can use any standard function available in Excel, Word and R (excluding the use of Macros).
• You can use the Equation Editor to construct any actuarial notation/symbol/equation. Alternately, you can use any other form of presentation of the same so long as any third person can comprehend what is written.
• You are not permitted to handwrite mathematical equations. This includes the use of freehand drawing tools or other hardware such as drawing tablets, which are prohibited.
• You are prohibited to use ‘Dictate’ or any similar function. You are expected to complete all examination answers using keyboard entry into the applicable platform as outlined.
• You are requested to delete or disable any customized add-ins within the MS Office platform as its use or access is prohibited during the examination session.
• You are prohibited to use RMarkdown and knitR during the R-based examination

Each paper for Home-Based Online Examination will be set to 3 hours and 15 minutes, except CS1B, CS2B, CM1B & CM2B each which will be for 1 hour and 45 minutes. CB3 will be allocated 90 minutes.

      For Paper A & B of CS, CM and CP2, students are responsible to track the exam timer. You will be provided additional 15 minutes for uploading your answer script and the upload option will be available on the last question of the respective subject. Any work done inside the answer script during additional 15 minutes may lead to loss of attempt or failure in uploading the answer script. The last successfully uploaded answer script in exam platform shall be considered for evaluation. Reference image is as below:

Image 1

Image 2

The Institute is conscious of risk of misconduct during online exams taken from home/ personal space.  Following steps are therefore incumbent to maintain the integrity of actuarial examinations:

• All examinations will be invigilated through online proctors with access to each candidate on real time basis. The proctors will be adequately empowered to take corrective and/or preventive steps should any misdemeanour be detected during the examination session.
• It will be mandatory for the candidates to keep the webcam and sound card/microphone switched on for the entire duration of the examination session. Back up device available must keep it the same outside the exam room.
• The candidates are advised to appear from a closed room with no one else being present in the same confined space. (Please note two or more candidates are not allowed to appear from the same location/house etc.)
• The candidates will be prohibited from having access to any material offline in physical format or online on their personal devices or accessible through internet.

The candidates are reminded that they are governed by Student Guide for Actuarial Examination and the Institute reserves the right to appropriate and proportionate action should any misconduct come to its notice during or after the examination session.

You can access your own actuarial tables. The book should not contain any annotation or markings whatsoever or any pre-written loose sheets attached to it. You may be asked to show and validate the same to the proctor during the examination. (Note: Print or xerox copy is not allowed)

You can choose the right option(s) available on right hand side of the exam screen.

Screenshot

It is recommended to use default font size.

No, you are not permitted access to any such device. You are expected to complete all examination answers using keyboard entry into the applicable platform as outlined earlier.

You are strongly advised to use your personal laptop/desktop for online examination. Office laptop/desktop may have security/download related restrictions. It is the candidate’s personal responsibility to ensure they meet the software and hardware requirements as stipulated above so that the online examination platform can operate without any hindrance.

You are strongly advised to test the hardware i.e. laptop or desktop along with accessories like mouse, keyboard, webcam, soundcard/microphone and satisfy yourselves that they are in working condition. You should have downloaded any latest security patches and keep your device updated to its latest expected version before the start of the examination. You can also access any back-up device which meets the minimum hardware requirement as a replacement if need arises.

In case of MS Office/R, we strongly advise the candidate to only use authorized and legitimate version of the software. The candidate is advised to download and install all latest software updates before the examination.

Given this is home-based examination, it remains the responsibility of the candidate to ensure the hardware/software works during the time of examination.

You are advised to keep your laptop fully charged and/or have a battery capacity that can last the full duration of an examination session. For desktop, it is advisable to have power back-ups for situations of power failure/interruption.

Given this is home-based examination, it remains the responsibility of the candidate to ensure the access to uninterrupted power supply to the laptop/ desktop or means to keep your device working.

The exam is conducted in home based online format, which calls for uninterrupted internal connectivity during the examination session.

In unforeseen circumstances affecting internet connectivity, the following is to be borne in mind:

• Your work on the text editor within the examination platform gets auto-saved frequently and chances of losing any written work are remote.
• Your work done on MS Office or R software doesn’t get automatically saved in the platform until you upload the relevant files at the end. You should therefore ensure you are saving the work in your local drive periodically till it is ready for upload to avoid disappointment.
• You are expected to keep screenshots as evidence for any internet disruption impacting your work materially as and when they occur. You may be called upon to submit the proofs if any relief is sought citing such disruption.
• Any deliberate attempt to disconnect the internet access will be considered as misconduct and disciplinary action as deemed appropriate can be initiated under such circumstances.

You are advised to make a provision for alternate internet connection to minimize the risk of disruption.

Screenshot

Click Here for mitigation policy and procedure. Please note that the mitigation shall be applicable only when you have sat for mock exam.

In an unfortunate situation where the examination platform fails for reasons other than issues related to candidate’s hardware/software or power/internet connectivity, the Institute will try to put alternate arrangements in place on a best effort basis. In case it is not possible, the Institute may offer to re-schedule to an alternate date or cancel the session/provide refund of examination fees as deemed appropriate.

We would suggest that you appear for the examination in any place at home, or any private place, keeping the following in mind:

• The place should be quiet and provide you uninterrupted access for the full duration of the examination.
• It should be a confined private place with controlled access for any second person.
• You are to ensure that no one else is present at any time during the examination session
• You have uninterrupted access to power supply and internet connection.
• The place should be well lit for the online proctor to monitor the proceeding effectively.
• You are advised to have a comfortable chair and desk.
• Candidates are not permitted to appear for the examinations from the same premises location/house etc.

The following are permitted during the examination session:

• One Personal device i.e. laptop/desktop with webcam along with other accessories like keyboard, mouse, laptop charger etc.
• Hardcopy of Hall ticket
• Actuarial table book
• Scientific calculator
• Loose sheets of blank paper for rough work. You are required to show these before using by the proctor.
• Pen/Pencil to write on loose sheets
• Any government-issued ID to be used for verification
• Transparent Bottle/glass of water
• Back-up hardware (Note: No other laptop or backup laptop should be present in exam premise)

Any form of personal consumables, mobile phone, smart watch, handsfree device, headset/ earphones etc. or any other electronic gadget are not allowed to be kept near you during the examination.

You will not be allowed to appear for examination and will lose the attempt.

No, the examinations will be strictly held as per the Exam Timetable.

All exams are scheduled in Indian Standard Time (IST)

Click Here to view Announcement of Actuarial Examination

You will receive the login credentials and exam instructions 2 days before the exam date. Exam link and instructions will be made available under your member login a day before the exam date.

Yes, we have a policy on this matter. Kindly refer the below link: Click here for details.

Candidates who log in late after the start time of the examination will not be allowed to access the platform and write the examination.

You are advised to go through below link: https://support.mettl.com/portal/en/kb/induslynk-training-services-p-ltd/candidates/troubleshooting/during-test

You are advised to go through below link. https://support.mettl.com/portal/en/kb/articles/camera-microphone-issues

Click on power button located on bottom right side of the screen. Re-login using the same examination link after 5-7 minutes.

Please try the following.

• Check Internet Connectivity or Exit Browser (click on power button on bottom right of exam screen)
• Uninstall the MSB and re-install the same and try to launch examination again.
• Hard Shutdown (shut down your system by pressing power button for 5-10 seconds)

Candidate needs to install the below mentioned software’s in their system in the Local Drive C:\Program Files\

• R version 3.6.1 or higher
• R Studio – Version 1.1 or higher for 32-bit operating system Version 1.2 or higher for 64-bit operating system

R Studio must be installed in following path: C:\Program Files (i.e. default windows drive). If the Secure Exam Browser is unable to locate the R Studio, you can manually locate the “R Studio.exe” by browsing to the saved location.

Screenshot

Type the codes and Output in “R Studio” and simply copy the content using Ctrl + C and to paste using Ctrl + V in MS Word document. In case Ctrl + V is not responding, try pasting by clicking the Paste à Paste Special à Values option under Home tab within the Command Bar in MS Word application.

Candidate needs to have licensed version of MS Office 2010 and above installed in their system in the Local Drive C:\Program Files\

Mettl Secure Browser will automatically detect the above application and the same can be accessed from the task bar below within the examination window.

Note:

• Candidates are advised to update the following settings in the MS Word and MS Excel before starting the examination: Open Any Word/Excel document available in your system then go to Files -> Options ->  Trust Center ->  Trust Center Settings ->  Protected View -> (Uncheck all the 3 options) -> Click on OK.
• Candidate are required to close all the MS Office applications at the background before the examination.

You can also toggle by manually selecting the application from the task bar. This will work only after you have opened at least one more application other than main examination platform in MSB. Please do not use ALT+TAB to toggle between the Examination Window and MS Word/ MS Excel/ RStudio during the examination.

       Note: This is only applicable for CM1A,CM2A,CS1A, CS2A, CS1B, CS2B, CM1B, CM2B and CP2 Subjects

You can access the downloaded solution template/data files using the following steps:

i. Open a blank excel file from taskbar, click on “File” option.

ii. Select Open option, browse the location.

iii. Select all files from the bottom right of the popped-up screen.

iv. Select the required file and click on “Open”.

v. If you face file corrupt issue, please follow below steps:

    a) Open a blank excel file from taskbar, click on “File” option.

    b) Go to option > Trust Centre > Trust Centre Settings > Protected View > Uncheck all the three options > Click on “Ok”.

Screenshot

To ensure stringent integrity and security of examination process delivery, the above features will not be available. These restrictions would however not hamper your access to any permissible action during the examination, particularly which require use of MS Excel software.

You can insert equation in solution typing area using the equation editor available in the exam platform for all subjects except for CS Series, CM Series and CP2 Subject. Kindly refer following link – https://support.mettl.com/portal/en/kb/articles/how-to-attempt-math-and-chemistry-type-questions-in-the-test

The examination platform restricts the use of any function keys, keys, right-clicking, and the Alt+Tab shortcut during the examination due to security reasons.

These features are meant to act as shortcuts in MS Excel, which can still be accessed in the usual manner. We have outlined a list of alternate means to operate these features in MS Excel. Kindly go through it.

Our examiners have aligned the question paper pattern where you will not have a mandatory requirement to use graphs/diagrams to support your answers.

If your answerscript is in a Word or Excel file, open it and go to File > Info. The file location is usually displayed at the top or under the document properties section.

The exam timer includes additional 15 minutes of upload time, it is mandatory to apportion the last 15 minutes to just upload your answer script/solution. Any working done during additional 15 minutes might lead to loss of attempt or failure in uploading the answer script. The last successfully uploaded answer script in exam platform shall be considered for evaluation.

In case of any technical issues during this 15-minute upload period that prevent you from uploading your script, please immediately contact the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) at 91 22 62433334/36/78/49 . Do not take support of any other member including friends or family in case you are struggling to upload the answer script or any other technical issue.

If you receive an incoming call (cellular voice call or VoIP call via apps like WhatsApp or Teams) but do not answer it, mobile proctoring will continue running normally without interruption to the live proctoring video feed.

To avoid interruptions without enabling airplane mode, use your phone’s Do Not Disturb (DND) or Focus mode. Configure it to silence all calls, messages, and app notifications while keeping Wi-Fi and mobile data active for the browser1. Disable vibration and haptic feedback in your phone’s sound settings to prevent physical movement. Additionally, mute or disable call notifications for apps like WhatsApp, Teams, or Skype in their notification settings. 

Vibration can cause slight movement if the phone is placed on an unstable or slippery surface. To prevent this, place your phone on a stable mount such as a tripod, clamp, or sturdy stand on a flat, non-slip surface. Disable vibration and haptic feedback in your phone’s settings.

If an incoming call is not answered, the browser will continue recording without any interruption, and the live proctoring session will run normally.

If the candidate needs to answer an incoming call, especially in an emergency, they should ask for permission from the proctor immediately via chat.

Running the browser continuously for 1.5 to 3 hours will not cause meaningful immediate damage to a modern smartphone battery. Expect normal battery drain (15-20% drainage per hour) and some warmth due to continuous camera and network use. To minimize battery stress, start the exam with a fully charged phone, reduce screen brightness, remove thick protective cases to improve cooling.

Fully charge your smartphone immediately before the exam. Use a high-capacity power bank with stable output. Place the power bank and charging cable so they do not tug or move the phone, using longer cables if necessary. Prefer wired charging over wireless for more stable power delivery. 

Use a quality multi-outlet extension or surge protector to expand available sockets. Consider a multi-port USB/PD wall charger capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously. Use a high-capacity power bank as a backup power source. 

Position the phone in landscape orientation for broader coverage. Place the device 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) away, slightly above eye level (about 1.2 to 1.5 meters), tilted downward 10 to 30 degrees. Frame the shot to include your full face, shoulders, the top of your desk, both hands while working, and the chair area behind you. Use a stable tripod, clamp, or sturdy stand on a flat, non-slip surface. Ensure good, even front lighting to avoid shadows or glare. Clean the camera lens before starting and disable any beauty filters or effects. 

A reference image will be displayed to the candidate once the candidate pairs their mobile/tab according to which the candidate can position their device.

–     Charge your phone and connect it to a stable Wi Fi network. Ensure the front camera is clean and accessible; the rear camera is not permitted for proctoring.

–    On your computer, proceed to the “Pair mobile device” step in the exam flow — a QR code or pairing code will appear on the test window.

–    Open your phone’s QR scanner. Scan the QR code displayed on the computer screen. Scanning will open a browser page on the phone.

–   In the browser/app prompt, grant the required permissions. Allow access to the front camera (and microphone if the flow requests it). Do not grant access to the rear camera — use the front camera only.

–     Return to the exam page on your computer and confirm the mobile device is paired by clicking the confirmation button or following the on-screen instruction. 

–    If pairing fails, check that camera permissions are enabled in phone settings, that the phone is online, and that battery optimization/background restrictions aren’t blocking the app/browser. Retry scanning the QR shown on the test page.

The mobile device’s video stream typically requires between 0.3 to 1.5 Mbps upload bandwidth depending on video quality settings. Combined with the laptop’s exam session, it is recommended to have at least 3 to 5 Mbps upload and 5 Mbps download speeds for stable performance. Close unnecessary applications on both devices to reduce CPU and memory load. Avoid other bandwidth-heavy activities on your network during the exam.

Notify the proctor using the exam chat. Reposition and stabilize the phone to the original framing. Check and reconnect Wi-Fi on the phone if needed. Follow any reconnect prompts on the exam page, including rescanning the QR code. If issues persist, reboot the phone or use an alternate device. Document the interruption time and cause for the proctor.

Yes, airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled is generally effective because it blocks cellular voice calls and SMS, preventing interruptions from those sources. However, Wi-Fi calls and notifications from apps like WhatsApp, Teams, or Skype will still be received and can cause interruptions or overlays. To minimize disruptions, use Do Not Disturb mode and mute notifications for these apps. Ensure Wi-Fi is connected and stable before starting the exam.

Dual proctoring with Mettl only works via the default Web Browser (Using QR Scan) on a phone or tablet. External webcams or other devices are not allowed. Ensure the device is properly paired and positioned as per instructions.

For reliable and smooth proctoring, a recommended speed is 3 to 5 Mbps upload and 5 Mbps download. If both the laptop and mobile device are streaming video simultaneously, higher bandwidth is advisable. Also ensure low latency and minimal packet loss for best performance.