Issue: Incorrect Date / Time / Time Zone

Leading to Wrong Test Window Timing

You may face one or more of these issues while trying to access your exam:

• The exam start or end timer shows at the wrong time (earlier or later than expected).
  
  

• The test window is locked or inaccessible because your system time is outside the allowed range.
  
  

• You suddenly see a “time out” or “past deadline” message, even though you believe you are within the correct exam window.
  
  

• The exam server’s time and your local system time do not match.

This happens if your computer clock or time zone is not set correctly. Since exam schedules are always based on India Standard Time (IST, UTC+05:30), your system must also be aligned with IST for Safe Exam Browser (SEB) to function properly.

✅ Step-by-Step Solution

Important: Make sure you are connected to the internet before following these steps. This ensures your system clock syncs correctly.

For Windows 10 / Windows 11

1. Open Date & Time Settings
   
   

• Press Windows Key + I → select Time & Language → Date & Time.
  
  

2. Enable Automatic Time
   
   

• Switch Set time automatically to ON.
  
  

3. Manually Select Time Zone
   
   

• Turn OFF “Set time zone automatically.”
  
  

• In the dropdown, select (UTC+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi.
  
  

4. Sync the Clock
   
   

• Scroll down and click Sync now to immediately update your clock.
  
  

5. Check via Control Panel (if needed)
   
   

• Press Windows Key + R → type timedate.cpl → press Enter.
  
  

• Click Change time zone… → confirm it is set to India Standard Time.
  
  

6. Restart Your PC
   
   

• Restart once to ensure SEB recognizes the updated time settings.
  
  

For macOS (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma)

1. Open Date & Time Settings
   
   

• Click the Apple menu → choose System Settings (Ventura/Sonoma) or System Preferences (Monterey).
  
  

2. Unlock Settings
   
   

• If locked, click the lock icon and enter your admin password.
  
  

3. Enable Automatic Date & Time
   
   

• Check “Set date and time automatically.”
  
  

• Make sure the server is set to time.apple.com.
  
  

4. Manually Select IST Time Zone
   
   

• Go to the Time Zone tab.
  
  

• Turn off “Set time zone automatically using current location.”
  
  

• Manually choose Kolkata, Mumbai, or New Delhi.
  
  

5. If Using Automatic Time Zone
   
   

• Keep “Set time zone automatically” ON.
  
  

• Ensure Location Services is enabled under Privacy & Security → Location Services.
  
  

6. Restart Your Mac
   
   

• Restart to make sure SEB picks up the correct settings.
  
  

📝 Additional Notes / Troubleshooting Tips

• Always compare your system time with time.is/IST. If both match, your setup is correct.
  
  

• India does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so IST remains constant all year.
  
  

• If your system is managed by an organization (work/school), time settings may be locked. In this case, contact your IT administrator.
  
  

• A restart after making changes is recommended for SEB to refresh system time settings.