Volvo introduces S60 Cross Country - a segment first luxury sedan #MadeForIndia

Introducing the New S60 Cross Country with 201mm Ground Clearance

Ex-Showroom Mumbai (without Octroi), INR 38.9 Lakhs

Mumbai, 11^th March 2016:You love sedans for the comfort they provide and for the opulence they exuberate, but how many times have you driven up the mountains in your sedan and your weekend getaway fun is short-lived because that stretch of dusty country roads your sedan couldn’t handle or you never thought of venturing into that one last extra mile where there is a dusty path to a mesmerising view? But there are times when it is pouring and the city roads flooded the most important thing that runs past your mind is – “If only my sedan had a higher ground clearance”

There are surprises around every corner of the road and one such pleasant surprise, is the Swedish Luxury S60 Cross Country. Yes the Sedan-Cross Country or the Cross Country–Sedan whichever way you look at it. Sporty sedan shape with typical S60 swooping roofline to subtle Cross Country design cues.

Tom von Bonsdorff, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India said“Nothing could be more appropriate for India than a Cross Country Sedan, yes the wait is finally over. Our customers want their cars to glide through the rough roads but had to compromise on the rear seat comfort of a sedan. Our latest launch, S60 Cross Country addresses both these in a unique blend of sporty ruggedness. We have included all the capability driven features standard offering a unique ‘All Weather, All Road’ experience.”

DESIGN

Adventurous edge

Delivering an involved and focused driving experience with rugged substance, this dynamic design brings a sporty, unconventional and adventurous edge to the sedan concept. The Cross Country honeycomb grille with the Ironmark emblazoned across radiates the Cross Country flavour of design. Thanks to the increased ride height that gives a reassuringly confident stance and wheel-arch embellishments further integrates the Cross Country look, dual exhaust tail pipes (integrated), a stylish 18” Nesoalloy and active bending lights are standard.The piano black deco on sides and rear view mirror casing adds to the Cross Country looks. Available in a choice of 5 exterior colours – Rich Java, Osmium Grey, Oynx Black, Crystal White and Bright Silver.

Refined interior

Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces with any unnecessary clutter removed.  The attention to detail, the authentic materials - such as wood and leather - and the easy-to-use controls contribute to the in-command driving experience. The interior detailing includes a Piano Black deco option, leather gear knobs in the centre stack and a frameless inner rear-view mirror. The S60 Cross Country features a sport seats available in single or dual-tone leather with contrasting stitchingthat make a perfect addition to the in-command feel of a true driver's car.

  

CHASSIS & POWER TRAINS

The S60 Cross Country has a powerful Volvo All-Wheel Drive (AWD) diesel powertrain delivering 190hpand 420 Nm torque offering a no-compromise blend of efficiency and performance. The suspension front and rear are armed with hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. The AWD comes standard with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control and Advanced Stability Control. The Chassis is raised by 6.5cm as against the S60 which amounts to an SUV like ground clearance of 201mm.

A host of active safety features delivers peace of mind to the customers –The unique City Safety which has laser assisted automatic braking now brakes from 50kmph, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA), Hill Descent Control which automatically keeps the car at a constant speed while driving downhill, off road, or in deeper water and Hill Start Assist is standard on the S60 Cross Country.Similar to all other Volvos sold in India, the Diesel powertrain also comes with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) that traps harmful particles like PM2.5 and PM10 by upto 99%.

CLIMATE

Volvo’s commitment to air quality is reflected through its Cleanzone interior (which restricts particles PM 2.5 and PM10, odours, pollen from entering the cabin), electronic climate control, IR reflective wind screen andelectrically heated rear window.

Other Features:

LOCKING AND SECURITY SYSTEMS

• Basic Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor (IMS)
• Personal Car Communicator with Keyless Drive
• Home Safe Lighting
• Power Child Lock, Rear Doors
• Private Locking, Trunk
• Global Open/Close Doors + Sunroof
• Auto Up/Down Power Windows, All Doors
• Water Repellent Front Side Windows

SUPPORT SYSTEMS& Features

• Cruise Control
• Park Assist Camera
• Park Assist Front & Rear
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Height/Length Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Speed Sensitive Power Steering
• Rain Sensor
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• TFT Instrumentation cluster
• Navigation

SAFETY

• City Safety (Upto 50 km/hr)
• 2 Step Airbag, Driver/Passenger Side
• Passenger Airbag
• SIPS Airbags & Inflatable Curtains
• Whiplash Protection, Front Seats
• Seat Belt Reminder, Front Seats
• Pyrotechnical Pretensioners, Front/Rear All Positions
• Cut-off Switch Passenger Airbag
• Isofix - Outer Position Rear Seat
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Emergency Brake Light, Flashing
• Intelligent Driver Information System

Volvo Auto India

Swedish luxury car company Volvo Auto India (VAI) established its presence in India in 2007 and has since then, worked intensively to market the Swedish brand in this country. Volvo Cars currently markets products through its dealerships in South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata.Expanding in 2016 to Indore, Lucknow and Jaipur.

The company sells six luxury models.

Volvo S60 – A sporty sedan

Volvo S80 – An exquisitely elegant saloon

Volvo V40 – Luxury hatchback

Volvo V40 Cross Country – The adventurous cross country

Volvo XC60 – A technologically advanced luxury SUV, apt for Indian roads

Volvo XC90 –One of the most awarded 7-Seater Luxury SUV

Volvo’s Brand Philosophy

‘Designed Around You’ is the brands translation of going an extra mile to understand customers better. This human-centric approach enables Volvo Cars to know the pulse of the customers and gauge what they desire in a product. With this thought the brand places the customer at the heart of its design. Every Volvo car boasts of cutting-edge technology with engineering that is executed around human values.

For more on Volvo Cars, please visit - www.volvocars.in

Brand Ambassador Varun Dhawan Unveils the trendy ‘Backpack Collection 2016’

Skybags launches the new Backpack Collection campaign with 

National, 11th March 2016: ‘Skybags’, the youth bags brand from the house of India’s leading luggage company, V.I.P Industries announced the launch of its latest backpack collection. The campaign was unveiled by Bollywood heartthrob and Brand Ambassador Varun Dhawan at a press conference in Mumbai on 11th March, 2016.  

Varun Dhawan presented the ‘Backpack Collection 2016’, which offers latest designs, vibrant colors and never-seen-before prints. Screening the TVC which is conceptualised and created by the talented team at Law & Kenneth | Saatchi & Saatchi, the film features Varun Dhawan showcasing the collection. Matching a light-hearted catchy tune, Dhawan is seen leaping through the air, moving in style, with different bags from the new collection against Istanbul skyline.

Expressing her views on the campaign, Radhika Piramal, Managing Director, V.I.P Industries says, “As a brand we aspire to connect with young audience that is fun-loving, vibrant and who have an edge about them. The campaign is simple, yet manages to encapsulate the fun and trendy spirit of the brand and the latest backpack collection. With a design range that can cater to multiple individual preferences, we hope to tap into the market for school, college and office backpacks. We have also added a new overnighter category called 'Weekender bags' in our new collection."

Commenting on the campaign, Sudip Ghose, Vice President – Marketing, V.I.P Industries says, “Varun Dhawan's personality syncs seamlessly with the new collection and these stylish bags are something that everyone would want to own. Bags in our new collection are not only high on style with bright colours, trendy fabrics and prints, but are also high on features. Our 'Tri-tech series' of backpacks are super spacious, comes with laptop and tablet compatibility, organiser, waterproof raincover and specially designed 'aer-zone' back comfort. Not only this, all bags come with 12 month worldwide warranty.”

Speaking about the campaign and the new backpack collection Varun Dhawan, Brand Ambassador – Skybags says, “I’m really kicked about using the new backpack collection. The backpacks have a unique design and they really do command attention. Plus it was great fun shooting for the Skybags campaign. There will be a lot to watch out for from Skybags in 2016.”

Explaining the rationale behind the campaign, Rahul Nangia, National Creative Director, Law & Kenneth | Saatchi & Saatchi says, "Skybags backpacks are not meant for those who are boring and sedate. They have been designed for restless young men and women who refuse to sit down. They are bursting with energy to keep moving. That's the spirit that this film attempts to capture."

The campaign will be a 360 ° one programmed for high visibility, which includes online and offline channels such as digital platforms, television, print and outdoor. It is also being supported by a new microsite and online contest through several social media platforms. Participants simply need to leap in the air and capture a photo of themselves and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #MyBigLeap. Daily winners get Skybags backpacks. One lucky participant will win a special paragliding experience.

The campaign TVC can be viewed here – https://www.sendspace.com/file/qx0w4c  

TVC credits

• Creative Agency: Law & Kenneth | Saatchi & Saatchi
• Creative Head/Director: Rahul Nangia
• Creative Team: Ipsita Ghosh, Saurabh Nayampalli, Shahid, Sheikh
• Accounts Team: Shazin Motorwala, Debarjyo Nandi
• Production House: Hundred Frames
• Director of the film: Roman Jirnih

About V.I.P. Industries:

Established in 1971, V.I.P. Industries Ltd. is Asia's No. 1 luggage manufacturer. Its four factories produce nearly five million pieces a year, making it the second largest producer of luggage in the world. The state-of-the-art V.I.P. Design Lab at Nasik has to be credit several international patents and design registrations. Since inception, the company has kept in step with the changing need and taste of the discerning and quality conscious traveler. V.I.P. Industries already has a global footprint with its products available not just across India but also all over Middle East, the UK, USA, Germany, Spain, Italy and select African and South East Asian countries. The company offers its products primarily under the brands of VIP, Carlton, Skybags, Caprese, Alfa and Aristocrat.

About Skybags:

Skybags is aimed at travelers who like to make a style statement everywhere they go. While the bags offer world class functional features, the brand is committed to help Arrive in Style through vibrant and unique designs that add an edge to the traveler's personality. Skybags manufactures a wide variety of products like trolleys, rucksacks, backpacks, duffels, laptop bags, everyday travel accessories and short haul essentials made from quality materials. Skybags  is  also  the  first  Indian  brand  to  manufacture  printed  polycarbonate  luggage.

Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘Buddha In A Traffic Jam’ too real for JNU?

Varsity officials tight-lipped on replying to the filmmaker’s request of screening his film there


Vivek Agnihotri’s award-winning film ‘Buddha In A Traffic Jam’ is set for a May release. But, besides that, the filmmaker keen to first show his long-completed film to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, sent several requests to the JNU authorities for it. However, despite several attempts to seek the permission for a screening, via emails and text messages, Agnihotri has not received any response from the varsity officials. The filmmaker shares that since the film revolves around student life and also echoes the recent happenings at the varsity, he was keen to hold a screening of his film there.


Agnihotri reveals that he wrote the film a few years ago prompted by the way a nexus of professors-intellectuals-NGOs and Naxalites was brainwashing students and using them as ‘intellectual terrorists’. “I found it disturbing,” he says. “It’s ironical that the film mirrors all that is happening in JNU today. The film exposes this nexus and perhaps, this is the reason that the film has found such resistance. Even after writing several letters, we haven’t obtained permission to screen the film in such institutes. But we are determined to tell the story,” adds Agnihotri.


The cast of ‘Buddha In A Traffic Jam’ includes Arunoday Singh, Mahie Gill, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi and Anchal Dwivedi.

The film premiered at the 2014 Mumbai International Film Festival and has been showcased at other festivals too.

'संता बंता प्राइवेट लिमिटेड' में एक बार फिर बोल्ड अवतार में दिखेंगी नेहा धूपिया

फिल्म जगत में बोल्ड एक्ट्रेस के नामों में नेहा धूपिया का भी नाम शामिल है। ऐसे में जब उन्हें मौका मिलता है, वो अपना बोल्ड अवतार दिखाने में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ती। नेहा की आने वाली फिल्म का नाम है 'संता बंता प्राइवेट लिमिटेड'।हुआ कुछ यूं कि फिल्म के एक दृश्य के लिए नेहा को बिकनी पहननी थी, इसलिए नेहा ने फैसला किया कि वो खुद ही अपने लिए बिकनी खरीदेंगी। नेहा ने अपनी इस बिकनी के लिए खूब मेहनत की और फिजी की कई दुकानों में दर्जनों बिकनी देखी और उसके बाद उन्होंने कुछ बिकनी खरीदी।सूत्र बताते हैं कि नेहा ने फिजी से इतनी बेहतरीन बिकनी खरीदी की शूटिंग के बाद भी उन्होंने इसे अपने लिए रख लिया। नेहा ने इस बिकनी को पहनकर पानी के कुछ सीन शूट किए।देखना दिलचस्प होगा कि विदेशी बिकनी में देसी हीरोइन फिल्म 'संता बंता प्राइवेट लिमिटेड' से क्या गुल खिलाती हैं।

RIN in association with JAI GANGAAJAL salutes Girl Power on International Women’s Day

 

RIN DETERGENT teamed up with JAI GANGAAJAL to create an empowering Music Video featuring Priyanka Chopra & re-composed by Salim Sulaiman in the voice of Sunidhi Chauhan, ‘JaiGangaajal RIN Anthem’ which celebrates the shine in everyone.

  

Tuesday, March 8^th, 2016: The evening on International Women’s Day saw #JaiGangaajalRINanthem trending on 2^nd position in India.

Prakash Jha’s directorial ‘Jai Gangaajal’ starring Priyanka Chopra released on 4^th Of March, 2016. The Film makes a strong statement on women empowerment among other social issues.

Actor Priyanaka Chopra shines as a police office in the film who fights the system to re-inforce law and order in the society. Priyanka Chopra as S.P Abha Mathur is seen as a righteous police officer who does not compromise on her duty and single handedly takes on strong antagonists of the Film.

Hindustan Unilever’s RIN believes that the shine in you is the shine on you.

RIN collaborated with the Film to create a powerful music video featuring Priyanka Chopra as S.P Abha Mathur which celebrates the shine in every woman. The JaiGangajal RIN Anthem written by RIN’s creative agency empowers you to bring on the shine in you. This magic of ‘RIN Anthem” was recreated by composer Salim Sulaiman and the powerful voice of Sunidhi Chauhan.

Priyanka Chopra tweeted the Jai Gangaajal RIN Anthem from her twitter account along with her wishes to the women everywhere on the evening on International Women’s Day.

Soon, the Jai Gangaajal Rin Anthem became a hit among the twitteraties which started trending on the second number in India on woman’s day.

"The anthem resonated the essence of the film and became a perfect fit for the film. Both me and the music directors- Salim-Sulaiman loved to work on it and are very proud to have this association."

Music & Video credits…

Special Thanks	Prakash Jha, Priyanka Chopra
Music Recreated by	Salim Sulaiman
Singer	Sunidhi Chauhan

Battle for Banaras now heads to Paris

After Dubai, Battle for Banaras, the controversial documentary about elections in Narendra Modi’s constituency is now headed to Paris. The film is in competition at the prestigious 38^th Cinema Du Reel Film Festival (March 18 - 27, 2016), one of the most respected documentary film festivals in the world.

“As a filmmaker I want to share the film with audiences around the world and I look forward to the film’s screening in Paris, “says Kamal Swaroop who will be attending the screening. “It is a great honour to be playing in the international competition section along side great documentaries from around the world,” he says.

Battle for Banaras is one of the 11 films chosen for the international competition section. It will be competing against films like The Dreamed Ones (directed by Ruth Backerman) which is currently playing at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival; Days of Future Buddhas, a Russian documentary that was shot between 1988 and 1993 and like Battle of Banaras was also banned in Russia and Marco Santarelli’s Duster, which is set in a prison library and pitches a group of Muslim inmates into a discussion about what the concept of a constitution means to them among others.

“While the Indian audiences continue to be denied the pleasure of watching Kamal Swaroop’s masterful documentary, the film continues its march to win rave reviews and praise at international film festivals,” says Manu Kumarann, the producer of the film, who has challenged the censor board ban and filed an appeal with the Appellate Tribunal. “The censor board is suffocating the voice of independent filmmakers because of its political leaning and raising a question mark on India’s credential as a vibrant, liberal democracy. We hope to receive a favourable ruling from the tribunal,” says Kumarann who has produced films with Hollywood directors like  Nick Cassavetes (The Notebook, The Other Woman) in the past.

Shot on 4K over a period of 44 days during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Battle for Banaras, inspired by Nobel laureate Elias Canetti's book, 'Crowds and Power', captures the excitement, the madness and the noise behind the high-octane poll battle in the holy city of Banaras, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency.

The 38th edition of Cinema Du Reel Film Festival will take place in Paris from March 18 - 27, 2016.

Sajid Nadiadwala's Baaghi features a badass Shraddha Kapoor and Tiger Shroff!

Shraddha looks smoldering hot and Tiger's nonchalant attitude topped with his six pack is sexiness personified! 

The second poster from the film sure sets the rebellious aura straight and exhibits a never seen before rugged side of the duo.

Baaghi brings back the successful team of Heropanti; Producer Sajid Nadiadwala, director Sabbir Khan and actor Tiger Shroff. They have teamed up once again for Baaghi which promises  high octane action taken notches higher.

The film is slated to release on 29th April 2016.

On International Women’s Day, Ariel India joins women across the country in asking Dads to #ShareTheLoad!

March 8th, 2016, Mumbai: The conversation of inequality within the household, particularly when it comes to housework and chores is one of growing social importance for women across the country and indeed the world. In India alone, more than 80% of women believe that - men feel household chores are ONLY a woman’s job**! Ariel India was proud to join the conversation on – Is Laundry Only A Woman’s Job? back in January 2015.

As the social debate continues to evolve, a new study by an independent third party reveals that 2 out of every 3 children believe that household chores are a mother’s job*, with the stereotype of gender roles being passed down from one generation to the next. With more than 70% of men believing that laundry and housework are their wife’s job*, the message of gender equality within the household takes even greater importance today. With the objective of supporting women in their debate, and bringing to surface this important social cause, Ariel India joins women across the country and indeed the globe in asking Dads to #ShareTheLoad on this International Women’s Day.

Pankaj Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Tabu and Mandira Bedi, join the movement to end the stereotype of gender roles within the home!

Power couple Pankaj Kapoor and Supriya Pathak also graced the event, as Ariel India’s Dads #ShareTheLoad film continues to build worldwide acclaim with over 25MM views since launch. “Supriya and I are delighted to be here today on Women’s day and join Ariel India in this very important conversation”,  said the veteran actor who went on to add, “we as a society need to prevent the social conditioning of gender roles from being passed down to the next generation. As someone who does #ShareTheLoad at home and has been for many years, I can say that it is key to a happy marriage! I am hopeful that this powerful TVC will encourage husbands and dads across the country to join this movement and set the right example for the next generation.”

The ever graceful Supriya Pathak noted the importance of how the next generation is affected by the role play within the home, “2 out of every 3 children taking away the message that laundry and housework is a mother’s job, is of grave concern! We need to remove the stereotypes of gender roles from the education we provide the next generation both within and outside the household. I am glad that Ariel India has amplified this very important conversation both nationally and globally and thrilled to partner the Dads #ShareTheLoad movement. Pankaj and I have always maintained that household chores are a partnership, and that should be the message to the next generation!”

Bollywood superstar Tabu goes on to add, “I am glad to support and spread Ariel’s new message which encourages Dads to #ShareTheLoad. Ariel’s own study shows that a significant number of men believe laundry and housework are a woman’s job. As someone with many examples in my own family, where men and dads #ShareTheLoad, I think it important to amplify and spread awareness of this conversation. So this women's day "Gentlemen, “we love the flowers but also do the laundry please☺”

Commenting on the Movement, Associate Brand Director, Sharat Verma said, “Research shows that more than 70% of children today believe that household chores like laundry is only a mother’s job*. This prejudice of household inequality is being passed down from one generation to the next and Ariel’s movement aims at supporting women and men across the globe as they bring this issue to the forefront. In order to help drive change we are glad to join this conversation and encourage Dads to #ShareTheLoad! With Ariel, and get the best stain removal in 1-wash.” Bollywood actress Mandira Bedi, who has been a supporter of the #ShareTheLoad movement, goes on to add, “Dads and Husbands across the country can drive change by doing something as simple as the laundry load. Especially since anyone can do the laundry with Ariel, and you get the added benefit of best stain removal in 1-wash!”

The new film from Ariel India has more importantly received the support of women across the globe as they continue the debate on household equality.!  As articulated by Dr. Nandita Shah, Co-Founder, Akshara Centre, “The home belongs to all who live there. Each member should contribute and share the load to keep it running so that each one can also work outside the home in a productive and creative way”

You can join the Dads #ShareTheLoad Movement too!

Watch The Film -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xogBz71IHAo

Follow us on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/arielcompleteindia
Twitter: www.twitter.com/arielindia
Free sample: https://www.rewardme.in/tag/ArielShareTheLoad

Disclaimers:

*All claims were generated from men, women and children (ages 10 to 14) who were in agreement with the above statements as per a 4-city (542 person) survey conducted by an independent third party in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad in January 2016

**Claims generated from men and women who were in agreement with the above statements as per a 5-city (1250 person) survey conducted by an independent third party agency in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad & Bangalore, in November 2014.

About Procter & Gamble India
P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. P&G is one of the largest and amongst the fastest growing consumer products companies in India. Its presence pans across the Beauty & Grooming segment, the Household Care segment as well as the Health & Well Being segment, with trusted brands that are household names across India. These include Vicks ®, Ariel®, Tide®, Whisper®, Olay®, Gillette®, AmbiPur®,Pampers®, Pantene®, Oral-B®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella® and Duracell®. P&G operates through 3 entities in India of which 2 are listed on NSE & BSE. The listed P&G entities are: ‘Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Limited’ and ‘Gillette India Limited’, whereas the unlisted entity (which is a 100% subsidiary of the parent company in the U.S) operates by the name ‘Procter & Gamble Home Products Ltd.’ Please visit http://www.pg-India.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G India and its brands.

Footnotes:

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, called it "one of the most powerful videos I’ve ever seen". Sharing it on her FB page, Sheryl Sandberg added, “When little girls and boys play house they model their parents' behavior; this doesn’t just Impact their childhood games, it shapes their long-term dreams. In this #ShareTheLoad campaign, Ariel India, show fathers and husbands can take small steps (like doing laundry) to create more equal homes. The real win is the way they are changing stereotypes and showing that a more equal world would be a better world for all of us”.

Melinda Gates, who has previously voiced the importance of equality between the sexes, including personally highlighting the fact that - In India women spend about 6 hours on household work, where men spend less than 1 hour, said of the film on her twitter page, “When men and women challenge the assumption that household chores are women’s work, everyone benefits #ShareTheLoad”. 

Akshara Centre inspires young women and men to become gender advocates, change makers and leaders in their communities by using innovation, capacity-building, networking and technology. Since its launch in 1995, Akshara has consistently worked with women for their empowerment through educational scholarships, building skills and understanding rights. Men are trained in the prevention of violence, to recognize their own privileges and work towards equality. Through collective actions and advocacy, we work towards a Safe, Inclusive and Sustainable Mumbai City.

New survey of 100 Indian test owners reveals relevancy struggle and cheating concerns

Mumbai, March 8, 2016 – Professional exam providers in India are struggling to maintain the relevance of their exams – and they are also concerned about cheating – according to a recently published report.

The study, conducted by Pearson VUE in partnership with IMRB, surveyed senior managers from 100 exam-owning companies and institutions in the medical, legal, finance, IT and higher education sectors. Almost half (43 percent) reported challenges in developing new assessment content, and four in ten (38 percent) expressed difficulty in maintaining the relevancy of their assessment.

The survey reveals the challenges of knowing whether an exam accurately measures relevant competency, with nearly four in ten test owners (38 percent) finding the restrictions of the exam format itself a challenge – which may in part have an impact on the ability to fulfil the test purpose.

The report, “Improving India’s exam standards: Challenges facing test owners”, also found that almost half of those surveyed (46 percent) are concerned that candidates are cheating in exams, and a third are concerned with candidate impersonation. There is also concern about test paper leakage (39 percent), which is a problem associated with pen-and-paper rather than computer-based testing (CBT).

The report also reveals a potential trend of test owners moving from pen-and-paper to CBT delivery in India. Of the 47 percent who currently use pen-and-paper over a third (33 percent) saying they are likely to move to CBT in the near future. The vast majority of all test owners (81 percent) stated that there is no alternative to CBT that is more reliable.

Divyalok Sharma, director of client development at computer-based testing company Pearson VUE, said: “Assessment content, or in other words the test questions, is the lifeblood of an exam. Focusing on that content is key to the success of an exam programme, along with finding ways to make exams more relevant not only in terms of legislation and up-to-date processes, but also making sure it is relevant to the professional role that person will eventually hold. It is equally important for test owners in India to review their current test development practices and standards and follow international best practices in testing.

“There are a number of inter-related factors and processes that can cause an exam to succeed or fail, including understanding of test objectives, robust test design, appropriate test format, good quality test questions and the statistical analysis of questions. These factors also contribute to the ultimate goal of creating a valid, fair and reliable test.”