PrePTEL - Simulating Swayam's NPTEL Exam Environment

PrePTEL is a quiz application that closely simulates the examination environment of NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning) by Swayam. While primarily designed for NPTEL, PrePTEL is adaptable to other structured learning materials with a similar format. With a user-friendly command-line interface, PrePTEL becomes your trusted companion for an effective and comprehensive exam preparation experience.

Section 1: Guide to Installation and Proper Usage

You have the option to either download the '.exe' version or retrieve the '.py' script and execute it. If you have decided to download the executable version, you are only required to download the 'PrePTEL.exe' file and the 'Materials' directory (the rest of the files are not necessary, as it is a standalone executable file). Upon completion of the download, follow these steps to set up the environment:

• Step 1: Make sure you also have the folder titled `Materials` in the same directory as your script. This is to be considered regardless of whether you use the executable version or the script version. This folder will contain the `.xlsx` file comprising the questions.
• Step 2: The script, will automatically attempt to install the required modules. In case of a failure, make sure to check your connection and try again.

NOTE: You may be required to turn off your Windows operating system's security, as it may prevent the file from getting downloaded. This may be a direct cause of the lack of certificates for the script. You may ignore any further warnings from your system's firewall and proceed with the download.

Section 2: Usage of other Materials

You have the freedom to choose between different materials or even your own. Only make sure that the material you use follows the structure specified below:

While you create the material (the question bank), ensure that it follows the format shown below. The first question of the material must start from the first row of the Excel sheet (don't include any headings). The correct answer you mention in the 6th column must be present in one of the four options present in columns 2 - 5.

The question

First option

Second option

Third option

Fourth option

The correct answer

If you have followed all these instructions, your material should look similar to the sample shown below:

questionOne	oneOptionA	oneOptionB	oneOptionC	oneOptionD	oneOptionA
questionTwo	twoOptionA	twoOptionB	twoOptionC	twoOptionD	twoOptionB
questionThree	threeOptionA	threeOptionB	threeOptionC	threeOptionD	threeOptionC
questionFour	fourOptionA	fourOptionB	fourOptionC	fourOptionD	fourOptionD
questionFive	fiveOptionA	fiveOptionB	fiveOptionC	fiveOptionD	fiveOptionA

NOTE: The Excel file you've just created must be present in the `Materials` folder. The name of this Excel file will be reflected as the name of the course. Follow the structure shown above to avoid any errors.

NOTE: The questions and options are presented in a jumbled up manner to increase the complexity of the exam.