Automated Exam Seating Arrangement Timetable Generator
Overview:
Built an automated system to generate exam seating arrangements across 4 branches (CSE, ECE, MECH, CIVIL) and 2 semesters (4th and 6th), managing constraints like student backlogs, room capacities, and exam clashes.
Problem Statement
Managing exam seating manually for multiple branches and semesters is complex and error-prone. Conflicts such as overlapping exams and exceeding room capacity need to be avoided while optimizing seating arrangements.
Solution Approach
- Implemented a Genetic Algorithm optimizing seating plans based on student registrations and room availability.
- Encoded exam time and room assignments as chromosomes, iteratively improved solutions to minimize conflicts.
- Handled realistic constraints including:
- Avoiding simultaneous exams for backlog students
- Room capacity restrictions
- Alternating exam schedules between semesters
- Incorporating holidays and specific exam timings
Technologies Used
- Python (Core implementation)
- Genetic Algorithms for optimization
- CSV file processing for input data
- web visualization
Results & Impact
- Reduced manual scheduling time by over 80%
- Ensured conflict-free exams with optimal seating
- Optimized room usage and prevented overcrowding
- Flexible and scalable solution adaptable for more branches and semesters
Sample Code Snippet:
// Example: Fitness calculation for timetable population
def calculate_fitness(individual):
penalty = 0
for exam in individual.exams:
# Penalize overlapping exams for students
if has_conflict(exam, individual):
penalty += 10
# Penalize room capacity overflow
if exam.students_count > exam.room.capacity:
penalty += 5
fitness = 1 / (1 + penalty)
return fitness