The number of pages and size of the paper restricts the content of a book. This statement is unremarkable. In this note I argue that the size of the question paper and number of pages is crucial in what can be asked and explains what is being asked in Bachelor of Engineering examinations. A few weeks ago, I was preparing the question paper in the sample document circulated by the exam division. First thing I notice was that the size of the question paper is A5 (half of A4). In the first page, which contains preamble and the header, I could fit about 200 words. How many words I can write is further constrained by the whitespaces – the spacing between question number, the actual question and marks allotted to it, the spacing between two questions, and the margins width/height. In the following page, which does not have the preamble, I could write about 300 words. These numbers are ballpark figures and accurate measurements are not integral to my arguments. So, I leave it at these numbers...
Reflections of technologists and academics on contributions of technology in society.