MHA directs Universities, Institutions to conduct final semester exams compulsorily
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New Delhi, July 07: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a letter to Union Higher Education Secretary, on Monday, permitted conduct of examinations by Universities and Institutions.
"The final Term Examinations are to be compulsorily conducted as per the UGC Guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for the Universities; and as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare," the statement from the release read.
The UGC has revisited its earlier guidelines related to university examinations.
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) July 6, 2020
In view of the safety, career progression and placements of the students and their larger interests, after consulting @HMOIndia and @MoHFW_INDIA, it has been decided that pic.twitter.com/evKTYPwnIa
On the other hand, for the intermediate semester, students will be evaluated based on internal assessment.
Due to the surge in COVID-19 infections, the University Grants Commission (UGC) headed by the Central University of Haryana Vice-Chancellor RC Kuhad was asked to review the final year examination guidelines in April 29, 2020, on holding of exams.
The April 29 guidelines for the assessment of final-year students had suggested universities to conduct examinations in offline or online mode, while it was recommended that first and second-year students be promoted on the basis of internal evaluation and performance in the previous semester/year.
However, the UGC decided to suggest the universities hold the final semester exams latest by September end in offline, online, or blended modes.
On Tuesday, the Commission issued revised guidleines suggesting that the terminal semester or the final year (end-of-term) examinations are to be conducted by the universities or institutions by September end either offline (pen and paper) or online. It can also be in a blended mode (i.e. online + offline).
It further said that the guidelines regarding the intermediate semester/year examinations, as notified earlier in the April 29 statement, remain unchanged.
The UGC said, "It is reiterated that the universities should give paramount importance to health and safety of students, faculty, and staff and adhere to the Government protocols/guidelines related to COVID-19 while conducting the examinations."
"In view of the emerging situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, it is important to safeguard the principles of health, safety, fair and equal opportunity for students," the UGC said. "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 a very important milestone in any education system."