MBZUAI Online Screening Exam Instructions + Sample Questions

mbzuai-exam-instructions.md

MBZUAI Online Screening Exam Instructions

This document provides instructions for the MBZUAI online screening exam. Follow these guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth exam experience.

Overview

The 60-minute online screening exam is automated with AI proctoring to ensure fairness and transparency. The exam details, including questions, are confidential and must not be shared. Breaching confidentiality will affect admission status and future studies at the university.

Instructions

Before the Exam

• Eligibility:

  • Applicants with complete files, including recommendations, will be invited to the exam.
  • Exam guidelines are available on the admissions pages for Master's programs and Ph.D. programs.

• Exam Waiver:

  • Waiving is allowed for those with strong evidence of research, subject expertise, and technical skills.
  • Waiver requests must be emailed to [email protected] before the exam date.

• Exam Details:

  • Provided via email a week before the exam, including login credentials, PIN code, date, and instructions.

• Preparation:

  • Install Exam Portal software.
  • Run a system check and complete the demo exam (PIN: rz9409) in advance.

System Requirements

• Device:

  • Desktop or laptop only (no Chromebooks, tablets, or mobile phones).

• Operating System:

  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15 and higher.

• Hardware:

  • CPU: Intel Sandy Bridge (2011) or newer.
  • Storage: 75 MB/hour for Exam Portal, 500 MB free space.

• Internet:

  • Stable broadband (minimum upload speed: 0.15 Mbps).

• Other Requirements:

  • Admin access.
  • Functional webcam and microphone.

• Software:

  • Download and install Exam Portal software.

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During the Exam

Essentials

• Device must be:

  • Plugged in.
  • Connected to stable internet.
  • Cleared of external displays and background applications.

• Required items:

  • Username, password, and PIN code (provided via email).
  • Valid ID with a clear name and photo (passport, school/company ID, etc.).
  • Blank paper, pen, and calculator (minimal use advised).

Environment

• Private, well-lit location.
• Desk setup with camera at eye level.
• Remove:
  • Other people.
  • Recording devices, books, notes, food, and drinks.
  • Background noise.

Appearance

• Dress presentably.
• No unnecessary accessories unless for religious or cultural reasons.

Proctoring

• Maintain face visibility in the webcam.
• Avoid background noises.

Exam Process

• Complete in one sitting (max 60 minutes within the exam window).
• Start at least 30 minutes early to pass system and ID checks.
• Answer all questions; no negative marking.
• Submit after completing all questions.

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After the Exam

• Scores are automatically sent to the MBZUAI Admissions team.
• Final scores will not be disclosed to participants.
• Questions can be emailed to [email protected].

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Technical Support

• Contact: [email protected].
• Working hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (UAE time).
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM (UAE time).

Sample Questions

1. Which of the following is TRUE about Linear Regression and Logistic Regression?

1. Linear Regression predicts a continuous dependent variable
2. Logistic Regression predicts a categorical/discrete dependent variable
3. Both 1 and 2
4. None of the above

2. Gradient Descent computes the derivative of the loss function w.r.t:

1. Input
2. Activation value
3. Weight
4. None of the above

3. Find angles (α, β, γ) such that:

2sinα - cosβ + 3tanγ = 3
4sinα + 2cosβ - 2tanγ = 2
6sinα - 3cosβ + tanγ = 9

1. (π/2, 0, π/4)
2. (π, π/2, 0)
3. (π/2, π, π/4)
4. (π/2, π, 0)

4. From a bag of 6 red and 2 blue balls, two balls are drawn consecutively without replacement. What is the probability that the second ball drawn is red?

1. 3/4
2. 5/8
3. 1/4
4. 3/8

5. In the worst case, the number of comparisons needed to search a singly linked list of length n for a given element is:

1. log₂ n
2. n/2
3. log₂ n - 1
4. n

6. Which of the following WHILE loops prints the same output as this FOR loop:

sum = 0
counter = 100
for i = 1 to counter
sum = sum + i
end
print (sum)

1. Code

sum = 0
counter = 1
while (counter >= 100)
sum = sum + counter
counter = counter + 1
end while
print (sum)

2. Code

sum = 0
counter = 1
while (counter <= 100)
sum = sum + counter
end while
print (sum)

3. Code

sum = 0
counter = 1
while (true)
if (counter == 100)
break
end if
sum = sum + counter
counter = counter + 1
end while
print (sum)

4. Code

sum = 0
counter = 1
while (true)
sum = sum + counter
if (counter == 100)
break
else
counter = counter + 1
end if
end while
print (sum)