UGC Latest Circular: Divided Opinions Over Conduct of Final Year Examinations

UGC latest circular, which has asked universities to conduct final year examinations, has invited divided opinions from teachers, parents and students. While one set of students has been requesting the Ministry of Human Resource and Development to cancel all examinations, another set of students has been trending students for evaluation on Twitter.

“Everyday students are protesting but the government is still quite. According to them the credibility of only final year matters whereas intermediate semesters and school students don't have to prove their credibility. We need your response,” says several messages from students.

The latest UGC circular says that terminal semesters or final year examinations will be conducted by the universities or institutions by the end of September 2020 in offline (pen and paper), online, or blended (online + offline) mode. However, some students and parents say that online examinations would not be feasible as not all students have access to good internet connection.

“Before making open book examination (OBE) a possibility and a reality, the government or the DU administration must ensure the accessibility and the availability of the technology required to all the students who'll be sitting for the OBE,” says Abhigyan on Twitter.

“The blame of website slowing down and slow download is shifted to students by the exam branch 'clarification'! Is it optional for students to take OBEs? DU must admit incapability!” says Aditya Pratap Singh.

Nevertheless, several other students have been requesting for examinations saying evaluation is important for students to take the next step. “Students are the most important pillars of the country and it will be unjust for our country by not letting students to give their exams,” says Shambhavi Tomar.

“Evaluating students on the basis of examinations or other assessment methods will be greatly beneficial for students who have plans to study further or Earn Good Employment,” says another tweet. However, with over two months left to go for final year examinations, what MHRD decides to do on the matter will be witnessed in the days to come.

What the UGC Latest Circular Says

• The students of the terminal semester or final year students having backlog should compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline (pen and paper), online, or blended (online + offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability.
• In case a student of the terminal semester or final year is unable to appear in the examination conducted by the University for whatsoever the reason may be, they may be given an opportunity to appear in special examinations for such course or paper, which may be conducted by the university as and when feasible, so that the student is not put to any inconvenience or disadvantage. The above provision shall be applicable only for the current academic session 2019-20 as a one-time measure.
• The guidelines regarding intermediate semester or year examination, as notified on 29 April 2020 will remain unchanged.
• If need be, the relevant details pertaining to the admissions and academic calendar in the universities and colleges shall be issued separately in place of those mentioned in the earlier guidelines issued on 29 April 2020.