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Generating Practice Tests
Easily convert any PDF test paper or set of photos into a fully interactive practice exam that you can take on your device.
Updated 2026-08-08
1. Prerequisites: Get a Gemini API Key First
Before generating a test, get a free Google Gemini API key. For step-by-step instructions on obtaining your key, visit the Adding Your API Key page (located at
/docs/gemini-api-key). Once obtained, paste your API key into the Gemini Key sidebar panel on NewtCBT.2. How to Generate a Test
- 1Go to Generate Test from the sidebar menu.
- 2Upload your Question Paper (PDF file or photos) and Answer Key.
- 3Select the Exam Duration (time limit) and your preferred Interface Type (NTA Mode or Normal Mode).
- 4Configure Easy Mode or Transparency Mode depending on your PDF paper.
- 5Click Start Processing to generate your interactive CBT exam.
3. Easy Mode (Relaxed Timer)
EASY MODE is activated by toggling ON the "Relaxed Timer" button before generating or starting a test.
• In-Exam Timer Pause: When Easy Mode is enabled, the accessibility options inside the test interface will allow you to pause or stop the global countdown timer whenever needed.
• Performance Analytics Preserved: Pausing the global timer only stops the main clock — per-question time is still continuously recorded in the background to ensure detailed time analytics and performance tracking.
4. Transparency Mode & AI Recommendations
Transparency Mode controls how images and diagrams are processed from your PDF:
• When to Toggle Transparency OFF: Toggle Transparency Mode OFF if your PDF contains colorful diagrams or heavy watermarks.
• AI Recommendation Guidance: During generation, the system analyzes your pages and may show a recommendation banner suggesting whether to turn transparent diagrams ON or OFF.
If your PDF pages are clean or your colorful diagrams render clearly with transparency toggled OFF, you can safely ignore the recommendation if your diagrams already look good.
5. Loading Local Tests & PDF2CBT ZIP Files
You can also load tests directly from the Generate page without regenerating:
• Load Local Test Option: If you previously generated or saved a test on your device, click the "Load Local Test" option on the Generate page to select and open your saved test.
• Loading PDF2CBT ZIP Files: You can also upload a pdf2cbt backup ZIP file (.zip or .newt) using the upload option to instantly import and open your test paper.