ExamBuddy Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to ExamBuddy ("we", "our", or "the App"). ExamBuddy is an educational mobile application and web portal designed specifically for students of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGU), Bilaspur, to access exam preparation resources including syllabus outlines, previous year questions (PYQs), study handouts, notices, results, and grade calculators.

We are committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our users. This Privacy Policy details the types of information we may collect when you use ExamBuddy, how that information is handled, and the measures we take to safeguard your data in compliance with Google Play Developer Policies and global privacy standards.

2. Information We Collect

ExamBuddy is designed to be accessible without requiring users to create intrusive personal accounts or share sensitive private information.

A. Information You Provide Directly

When you contact our support team via email or our contact form, we receive your name, email address, and the contents of your message. This data is used solely to respond to your inquiries and resolve issues.

B. Automatically Collected Information

To maintain app performance and deliver relevant educational features, the app may automatically collect non-personally identifiable diagnostic information:

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version (e.g., Android 12, 13, 14), unique device identifiers, and network connection type.
• App Usage & Performance: Screen views, crash logs (via Google Firebase Crashlytics), and app load speeds to identify and fix technical glitches.
• Approximate Location: Non-precise general location (country or state level) derived from IP address for regional network routing and ad serving.

3. Device Permissions Requested

The ExamBuddy Android app may request specific device permissions strictly for functional academic purposes:

• Internet & Network State (android.permission.INTERNET, ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE): Required to fetch updated study resources, sync exam notices, and check network availability.
• Storage / Media Access (READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE / WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE on supported OS versions): Required strictly when a user chooses to download PDF question papers, syllabus files, or notes directly to their device storage.
• Notifications (android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS): Used to deliver timely push alerts for university exam schedules, re-evaluations, and important circulars. You may toggle notifications on or off at any time in device settings.

4. Advertising & Google AdMob Compliance

To keep ExamBuddy 100% free for all students, we display non-intrusive advertisements served through Google AdMob (Google Mobile Ads SDK).

Google AdMob and its advertising partners may collect and process pseudonymous identifiers, such as the Android Google Advertising ID (GAID), device information, and IP addresses, to serve contextual or personalized advertisements in accordance with Google's Advertising Policies.

You can manage or reset your advertising identifier and opt out of personalized ads at any time via your device settings: Settings > Google > Ads > Reset Advertising ID / Delete Advertising ID.

5. Third-Party Services

ExamBuddy incorporates reliable third-party SDKs that process data according to their respective privacy policies:

• Google Play Services: Core Android runtime APIs and in-app updates.
• Google AdMob: Mobile advertisement delivery (Google Privacy Policy).
• Firebase (Analytics / Crashlytics / Cloud Messaging): Performance monitoring and notification delivery.

6. Offline Storage & Data Security

ExamBuddy implements local caching (SQLite / SharedPreferences) on your device so that previously viewed notes, syllabus outlines, and attendance records remain available even when offline on campus.

We employ industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS) for all data in transit between the app and backend servers. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to any third-party data brokers.

7. Children's Privacy

ExamBuddy is intended for university and college students (typically aged 17 and above). We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal identifiable information from children under the age of 13. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately for deletion.

8. Policy Updates

We may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect new app features, legal requirements, or security enhancements. When updates occur, the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will be revised. Continued use of the App constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, suggestions, or privacy inquiries regarding ExamBuddy or this policy, please reach out to us:

ExamBuddy Developer Support Team
Email: support@exambuddy.app
Website: https://exambuddy-xi9a.onrender.com
Location: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India