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Introduction

The Nipun Lakshya App is an initiative by the Basic Education Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, developed under the NIPUN Bharat mission. The app enables mentors to conduct spot assessments of students in Grades 1 to 3, focusing on foundational education skills such as reading fluency, comprehension, and basic arithmetic problem-solving. The app is designed to work in both online and offline scenarios, making it highly reliable in remote areas.

Quick Information​

  • Play Store Link: Nipun Lakshya App
  • Current Version: 2.4.0
  • Languages Used: Java, Kotlin
  • Architecture: MVVM, Multi-Module, Offline first
  • Offline-First: Yes

Technical Highlights​

MVVM Architecture​

  • Ensures a clean separation of concerns between UI, business logic, and data layers.
  • Improves scalability, testability, and code readability.
  • Promotes a more modular structure, making the app easier to maintain and extend.

Multi-Module Architecture​

  • Breaks down the app into independent modules, enabling parallel development.
  • Reduces build times and allows better code organization.
  • Isolates responsibilities, making debugging simpler and quicker.

Offline-First Design​

  • Ensures app usability even in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Preloads all necessary data after login, allowing assessments without active internet.
  • Reduces dependency on live servers during assessment tasks.

WorkManager for Syncing​

  • Ensures reliable background syncing, even after app restarts.
  • Supports automatic retries for failed sync operations.
  • Handles tasks efficiently, even in constrained network conditions.

Assessment Engine​

  • A server-driven engine that dynamically handles assessments.
  • Flexible design allows for easy configuration of new assessments without app updates.
  • Designed to work seamlessly in both online and offline scenarios.

Chatbot Backed by UCI Tech​

  • A webview-based intelligent chatbot powered by UCI technology.
  • Supports advanced features like:
    • Media handling (images, videos, etc.).
    • Notifications for user engagement.
    • Video viewing and PDF downloading capabilities.
  • Seamlessly integrates into the app for user convenience.

Gatekeeper Module​

  • Dynamically manages server load at runtime via the front end.
  • Key Features:
    • Restricts app access for users based on their roles during high server load.
    • Ensures priority roles (e.g., mentors, admins) are given access during peak times.
    • Non-priority roles can be temporarily blocked to reduce server strain.

ODK Collect Extension​

  • Leverages the ODK Collect library for customizable, form-driven assessments.
  • Enables server-driven configurations for dynamic workflows.
  • Well-tested and proven library for robust data collection.

Hilt for Dependency Injection​

  • Simplifies dependency injection, reducing boilerplate code.
  • Manages the app's dependencies in a lifecycle-aware manner.
  • Improves testability and simplifies the integration of libraries and modules.

Key Modules​

1. Login Module​

  • Responsibilities:
    • Authenticates users and preloads data required for offline usage.
    • Fetches UDISE code, class, and subject-specific data for assessments.
  • Benefits:
    • Ensures data is ready for offline use immediately after login.
    • Provides a smooth user experience in remote areas.

2. Assessment Module​

  • Responsibilities:
    • Manages spot assessments for students.
    • Displays scorecards for effective feedback to teachers.
  • Benefits:
    • Highly flexible, supporting dynamic server-driven assessments.
    • Works reliably in both online and offline environments.

3. Chatbot Module​

  • Responsibilities:
    • Provides a webview-based chatbot backed by UCI technology.
    • Delivers seamless user interaction with features like notifications, media sharing, video viewing, and downloading PDFs.
  • Benefits:
    • Enhances user engagement through advanced interaction capabilities.
    • Integrates additional features seamlessly into the app's flow.

4. Gatekeeper Module​

  • Responsibilities:
    • Dynamically restricts app access based on user roles to reduce server strain.
  • Benefits:
    • Ensures high-priority users can access the app during peak loads.
    • Dynamically manages server-side load without backend reconfigurations.

5. Sync Module​

  • Responsibilities:
    • Handles all background data synchronization using WorkManager.
  • Benefits:
    • Efficient and reliable syncing, even in poor network conditions.
    • Ensures assessments and data updates are always up-to-date.

6. ODK Integration Module​

  • Responsibilities:
    • Extends the capabilities of the ODK Collect library.
    • Integrates form-based assessments seamlessly.
  • Benefits:
    • Provides proven, robust support for server-driven data collection.
    • Highly customizable and adaptable to various assessment scenarios.

Libraries and Tools Used​

  1. ODK Collect Extension:

    • Customizable form-driven data collection for dynamic workflows.
    • Supports robust offline and online data collection.

  2. WorkManager:

    • Handles background tasks with fault tolerance and retry mechanisms.
    • Ensures syncs resume automatically after network issues or app restarts.

  3. Hilt (Dependency Injection):

    • Simplifies dependency injection, reducing boilerplate code.
    • Lifecycle-aware dependency management for better resource handling.

  4. UCI Chatbot Integration:

    • Powers an intelligent chatbot for advanced user interaction.
    • Supports media sharing, notifications, and document handling.

Advantages of the App​

  • Scalability: The multi-module and MVVM architecture make the app easily extendable for future requirements.
  • Reliability: The offline-first approach ensures seamless functionality in low-connectivity areas.
  • Efficiency: WorkManager and Hilt improve performance, resource management, and maintainability.
  • Flexibility: Server-driven Assessment Engine, ODK integration, and Gatekeeper module make the app adaptable to evolving needs.
  • Engagement: The UCI-powered chatbot enhances user interaction and provides additional utility features.

Conclusion​

The Nipun Lakshya App is a robust, offline-first solution built using modern architecture and reliable libraries. With features like ODK Collect integration, WorkManager syncing, a server-driven assessment engine, an intelligent UCI-powered chatbot, and the Gatekeeper module, the app ensures scalability, reliability, and user engagement, making it an essential tool for mentors and educators.