Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how ExamDedo ('we,' 'us,' or 'our') uses cookies, local storage, and similar technologies when you visit our website and use our platform. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.

By using our Service, you consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies as described in this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie preference center.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. We also use similar technologies including:

• Cookies: Small text files stored on your device that help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.
• Local Storage: Browser-based storage that allows websites to store data locally on your device for faster access and offline functionality.
• Session Storage: Temporary storage that exists only for the duration of your browser session.
• Web Beacons: Small invisible images or code snippets that help us track website usage and email engagement.
• Pixel Tags: Similar to web beacons, used to track user interactions and measure advertising effectiveness.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly. These cannot be disabled as they enable core functionality like authentication, security, and load balancing.
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our Service by collecting anonymous information about page views, load times, and error rates.
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and choices (language, region, display settings) to provide a personalized experience.
• Analytics Cookies: Collect information about how you use our Service to help us improve performance and user experience. These are typically third-party cookies from analytics providers.
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness. These may be set by third-party advertising networks.

4. Specific Cookies and Technologies We Use

The following table details the specific cookies and technologies we use:

• Authentication Cookies: Store your login session and authentication tokens to keep you logged in securely.
• OAuth State and Nonce: When you use Sign in with Google, we set temporary cookies (oauth-state, oauth-nonce) for the duration of the sign-in flow to verify the request and prevent cross-site request forgery. These are deleted immediately after sign-in.
• Session Management: Track your active session and prevent unauthorized access.
• Preference Storage: Remember your language, theme, font size, and other UI preferences using Local Storage.
• Performance Monitoring: Track page load times, API response times, and error rates to improve Service performance.
• Analytics: Google Analytics, PostHog, and other analytics tools to understand user behavior and improve our Service.
• Security: CSRF tokens, security headers, and fraud detection mechanisms.
• Payment Processing: Session cookies for secure payment processing through Razorpay and other payment gateways.

5. Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies on your device:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics and user behavior tracking.
• Google Tag Manager: For managing marketing tags and tracking scripts.
• Google Sign-In: When you use Sign in with Google, Google may set cookies on their domains as part of the OAuth flow. Our site sets first-party cookies (oauth-state, oauth-nonce) only for the sign-in process; see our Privacy Policy for how we use data received from Google.
• Payment Gateways: Razorpay and other payment processors may set cookies for transaction security.
• Social Media: If we integrate social media features, those platforms may set cookies.
• Advertising Networks: Third-party advertising networks may set cookies for ad targeting and measurement.

6. Local Storage and Session Storage

We use browser storage technologies to enhance your experience:

• Local Storage: Stores your preferences, exam progress, and offline data that persists across browser sessions.
• Session Storage: Temporarily stores data during your current session, such as form inputs and navigation state.
• IndexedDB: Used for storing larger amounts of data, including exam questions and performance history for offline access.
• Cache Storage: Stores static assets and API responses for faster loading and offline functionality.

7. Purpose of Cookie Usage

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

• Authentication: To keep you logged in and maintain your session securely.
• Security: To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access.
• Performance: To optimize page load times and improve overall Service performance.
• Personalization: To remember your preferences and provide a customized experience.
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our Service and identify areas for improvement.
• Functionality: To enable features like offline access, progress saving, and exam resumption.
• Marketing: To deliver relevant content and measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.

8. Cookie Duration

Cookies have different lifespans:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser.
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (ranging from days to years) or until you delete them manually.
• First-Party Cookies: Set directly by ExamDedo and typically stored for shorter periods.
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by third-party services and subject to their own retention policies.

9. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies:

• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block all cookies, accept only first-party cookies, or delete cookies.
• Cookie Preference Center: We provide a cookie preference center where you can manage your cookie choices (where available).
• Opt-Out Tools: You can use browser extensions or opt-out tools provided by third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics Opt-Out).
• Do Not Track: You can enable 'Do Not Track' in your browser, though we may still use essential cookies.
• Mobile Devices: Mobile browsers also provide cookie management options in their settings.

10. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Please note that disabling certain cookies may impact your experience:

• Essential Features: Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from logging in or using core features.
• Personalization: You may lose personalized settings and preferences.
• Performance: Some features may load slower or not function optimally.
• Offline Access: Offline functionality may be limited or unavailable.
• Analytics: We may not be able to improve our Service based on usage patterns.

11. Cookies and Children

We do not knowingly use cookies to track children under 13 years of age. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child's information is being collected through cookies, please contact us immediately.

12. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new 'Last Updated' date.
• Displaying a prominent notice on our platform when you next visit.
• Sending an email notification for significant changes (where applicable).

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

• General: info@examdedo.in
• Support: help@examdedo.in
• Address: ExamDedo, India