The Final-Year University Exams are Likely To Be Cancelled in view of spike in COVID-19 cases. Earlier, the exams were about to be held in July 2020. Also, the new session is likely to be started from October 2020, as per the officials. The UGC decided to revise its guidelines after several large universities and higher institutions showed their inability to conduct the examination. The officials also revealed that a panel, set up by UGC and headed by RC Khulad are asked to revisit the guidelines and to come with better alternative options.

Final-Year University Exams Likely To Be Cancelled

On 24 June 2020, AICTE chairman Anil Sahasrabuddhe said, “Now, taking into context the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in different states, the UGC is revising the guidelines that were earlier released.”

He further said, “This time around, the UGC has also roped in all the apex professional bodies like AICTE, Bar Council of India, Architecture Council, Pharmacy council, among others. We will review the situation across the country and release new exam guidelines,”.

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has also asked the Union Grants Commission (UGC) to revisit the guidelines that were issued earlier for intermediate and final semester exams and the academic calendar. He tweeted, ” I have advised UGC to revisit the guidelines issued earlier for intermediate and Terminal Semester examinations and academic calendar. The foundation for revisited guidelines shall be health and safety of students, teachers and staff.”

College, University Final Year Exams Cancelled?

The college and university final year exams are likely to be cancelled. However, the UGC has not declared any official statement regarding the same yet. According to officials, a committee is set up which is working on revising the UGC guidelines that were released earlier for the final year as well as intermediate exams. The UGC will announce the newly revised guideline within a week.

UGC panel recommends Cancellation of Exams

The panel that has been appointed by UGC headed by Professor Kuhad has also recommended the cancellation of all the examinations i.e terminal as well as final year examinations due to high spike in the increase of COVID-19 cases in the country. The committee has recommended to release the result on the basis of previous semester examinations and internal assessments instead of holding the examinations.

UGC likely to issue revised guidelines soon

As per the sources close to UGC, findings of the committee has been shared with the HRD Ministry. Currently, officials from UGC and HRD Ministry are deliberating the future course of action as the decision will have a big impact on student’s committee across the country.

Students can Improve Scores

According to a senior official, “Students who get unsatisfied with the results on the basis of previous year examinations, can be given a chance to improve their scores by taking examinations later when the pandemic subsides.”

Teachers, Students Declare “Victory” After Education Minister Asks UGC To Revisit Exams Guidelines

Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) which has been opposing the Delhi University Open Book Examination (OBE) from weeks. The HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal suggestion to the UGC is being considered as “victory” for students as well as teachers.

DUTA has also released a statement welcoming the recommendation of UGC Panel expert committee headed by Prof. Kuhad to cancel the examinations. DUTA also welcomed HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal’s advisory to UGC for revisiting the guidelines. Candidates may check the DUTA Press release below:

On 24 June 2020, Delhi University Teachers Association also released a message to all the members that “Cancellation of exams are recommended by UGC but it is a choice for University of Delhi to cancel or proceed with OBE. Meeting with Examination dean and VC will be conducted tomorrow i.e 25 June 2020 and press release for the same will be released after that.”

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