The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued revised guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for the Universities in view of COVID-19 Pandemic for conducting the examinations as Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a letter to Union Higher Education Secretary, gave permission to conduct exams during the unlock period.
The Ministry said that the final term exams are to be compulsorily conducted as per UGC Guidelines and as per the Standard Operating Procedure approved by Union Ministry of Health.
The universities are required to complete the examinations by the end of September 2020 in offline (pen & paper)/ online/ blended (online + offline) mode following the prescribed protocols/ guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Report of the Expert Committee was considered and approved by the Commission in its emergency meeting held on July 6.
GUIDELINES
In view of the emerging situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, it is important to safeguard the principles of health, safety, and equal opportunity for students. At the same time, it is very crucial to ensure academic credibility, career opportunities and future progress of students globally. Academic evaluation of students is very important milestone in any education system. The performance in examinations gives confidence and satisfaction to the students and is a reflection of competence, performance and credibility that is necessary for global acceptability.
1. Mode of Terminal Semester/ Final Year Examinations (2019-20)
The universities are required to complete the examinations by the end of September, 2020 in offline (pen & paper)/ online/ blended (online + offline) mode following the prescribed protocols/ guidelines related to COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Provision of Examination through Special Chance
In case a student of terminal semester/ final year is unable to appear in the examination conducted by the University for whatsoever the reason he/she may be given opportunity to appear in special examinations for such course(s)/ paper(s), which may be conducted by the university as and when feasible, so that the student is not put to any inconvenience/ disadvantage. The above provision shall be applicable only for the current academic session 2019-20 as a one-time measure.
3. Backlog of Papers in Respect of Terminal Semester(s)/ Final Year Students
The students of terminal semester/ final year students having backlog should compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline (pen & paper)/ online/ blended (online + offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability.
4. The guidelines regarding intermediate semester/ year examinations will remain unchanged as notified on 29th April, 2020.
5. The relevant details, if need be, 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 29th April, 2020.
6. Notwithstanding the above guidelines regarding conduct of examination and commencement of next academic session, every university/ institution has to ensure that it is prepared in all respects to carry out the academic activities following necessary protocols/guidelines/directions/advisories issued by the Central/State Governments and MHRD/ UGC from time to time, in view of COVID-19.
