On the morning of November 24, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) successfully held its first computer-based essay exam for students at Lecture Hall A2. The introduction of this new exam format demonstrates the University’s commitment to making extensive use of information technology to enhance security, transparency, fairness, and efficiency throughout the learning assessment process.

A view of one of the computer-based essay exam rooms

The exam was organized through close coordination between the Center for Information Technology Application and the Department of Testing and Quality Assurance. It was the result of thorough preparation, particularly the development and refinement of dedicated computer-based essay exam software developed by NEU.

The morning exam session on November 24 covered two courses offered by the College of Technology: “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Business and Management,” with 88 students participating, and “Object-Oriented Programming,” with 193 students participating. From 7 a.m., a total of 281 students arrived at the lecture hall to complete check-in procedures, take their seats, and check their computers before beginning the exam.

A distinctive feature of the exam was that the entire process, from viewing the questions and writing answers to submitting responses, took place entirely on computers using software developed by the University. The software system allows students to work directly within the exam interface while supporting the relevant departments in monitoring, storing, and managing exam response data in a centralized and consistent manner.

One of the key factors contributing to the exam’s success was the systematic preparation and training provided to students. Before the exam, the Center for Information Technology Application held multiple guidance sessions to help students become familiar with the computer-based exam interface and procedures. As a result, candidates used the system proficiently during the actual exam, and the entire process proceeded securely, smoothly, and accurately, with no significant incidents reported.

The computer-based essay exam software now in operation is expected to bring many practical benefits to the University’s testing activities, from enhancing exam security and fairness and significantly reducing the time and resources required for exam preparation and grading to optimizing data management processes. The software is the product of collaboration among the Center for Information Technology Application, the Department of Testing and Quality Assurance, and a professional software developer.

The exam not only marks a shift in how exams are organized but also demonstrates NEU’s proactive approach to improving its educational activities and gradually embracing Industry 4.0 technology trends to better serve learners.

Some images from the first exam day:

Article and photos: Center for Information Technology Application, Department of Testing and Quality Assurance, and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.