FAQ for Aptitude Test of Information Systems - Academic Year 2022/2023

Q. What is tested/evaluated in the IS aptitude test?

A. The test will measure an applicant’s ability in the following areas:

• To follow instructions, obey rules and procedures, and pay attention to descriptions given in English.
• To compare, value, and distinguish among a variety of objects and situations.
• To think logically and recognize patterns that exist in disorganized contents.
• To determine the sequential steps that are required to solve problems.
• To demonstrate the problem-solving principles that originate from mathematics and logic.

Q. Do I need to know ICT/IT to answer?

A. The test does not measure deep subject knowledge in the above areas or other abilities like creativity; instead, it is used to determine the candidate’s aptitude as it relates to the courses in the university degree programme and their general computer literacy.

Q. What is the medium of instruction in the test?

A. English only

Q. Can I get answers for queries (verbal) in Sinhala or Tamil?

A. No. All explanations will be in English. 

Please note that the medium of instruction for the Information Systems degree programme is English.

Q. Do I get an extension for submitting the application?

A. No. Candidates can submit applications for the aptitude test only up to 10th October 2023 through the online application portal. The link will not be available after the deadline. It is highly recommended the candidates not to wait till the deadline to complete the registration.

Q. Can I view my application after I submit it?

A. Yes, you can login to the application portal using your NIC and A/L index number to view it.

Q. Common General Knowledge Paper Marks:

A.

1. My general knowledge test marks were below 28. Will I get an opportunity to enroll in the degree programme if I pass the aptitude test together with the other eligibility requirements?

Answer: It depends on the conditions enforced by the UGC for  admission. Please refer to the UGC handbook for more details.

2. In the application form, they are asking for marks obtained for the common general test. I did the common general test only in my previous attempt [first shy] and I am applying to the course with my current attempt [second shy] results. Since I have not sat for the common general test for my current attempt [second shy], how do I need to fill the blank? 

Answer: Please add your test marks of the previous year.

Q. What are the recommended devices and web browsers to be used to register for the IS aptitude test?

A.

1. Use a desktop computer/laptop. We do not recommend you fill the form using mobile phones.
2. Use Google Chrome as the browser. Mozilla Firefox browser is not recommended to fill the application form since some features of the application form are not supported by the browser.

Q. Application fee

A.

1. Can I make the payment with American Express cards?

No. Please use Visa or Master cards to make the payment through the UCSC payment gateway. 

2. If I do not have a credit/ debit card, how can I make the payment?

You can download the payment voucher linked in the application form and make the payment at the nearest People’s bank to the given UCSC account or make the payment using an online banking facility.

3. What can be the causes for unsuccessful payment through the payment gateway when using a credit/ debit card?

• • Unstable network connection
  • Taking longer time to process the payment 
  • Expired or invalid cards 

4. What should I do if my payment through the payment gateway is unsuccessful?

1. 1. Avoid trying multiple times which may lead to multiple transactions 
   2. Contact your bank service provider and resolve the issue with them
   3. If the payment through the gateway is still not successful, please download the payment voucher linked in the online application form and make the payment at the nearest People’s bank to the given UCSC account or make the payment using an online banking facility.

Q. Do I get rough sheets during the test?

A. No, you will not be provided rough sheets during the test. However, there will be some additional spaces in the question paper for rough work. You are not allowed to bring any rough sheets to the exam from outside.

Q. What documents am I allowed to bring to the examination?

A.

1. Admission card. Other than the signature nothing else should be written on the admission card (Both sides).
2. National Identity card

*No other documents will be allowed in the examination hall.

Q. What are the accessories prohibited to bring into the examination hall?

A. Candidates are prohibited to have any electronic device with communication and/or storage capabilities such as mobile phone, calculator, tablet PC, laptop, smart watch, portable audio/video/gaming devices etc. inside the examination halls irrespective of the fact that the above mentioned electronic devices are switched on or off.

Q. Will I be notified of the examination results?

A. Students will not be informed of the results individually. The pass list will be sent to the UGC and published on the websites of the University of Colombo School of Computing (www.ucsc.cmb.ac.lk ), the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (https://www.sjp.ac.lk/ ) and the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (https://www.sab.ac.lk/)

Q. If I pass the test, will UGC select me to the preferred University that I indicated in the application form?

A. Passing the aptitude test alone will NOT entitle the candidate for the admission to the Information Systems Undergraduate degree programme offered by the University of Colombo School of Computing, the Faculty of Computing of University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Faculty of Computing of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka . The candidates are required to apply for the programme by submitting the application form in the Handbook on “Admission to the Undergraduate Courses of the Universities in Sri Lanka – Academic Year 2022/2023” issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Q. If I do not sit for the examination on the relevant date, can I sit again on another date ?

A. No. This aptitude test will be conducted only once for the relevant academic year.