UGC Suggests Conduct of Exams by Adhering to "Social Distancing" Guidelines

Guwahati, April 30, 2020:

University Grants Commission (UGC) has suggested that universities can conduct the terminal, intermediate semester or year examination in offline as well as online mode keeping social distancing intact.

"Universities may conduct Terminal / Intermediate Semester / Year examinations in offline/ online mode, as per their Ordinances/Rules and Regulations, Scheme of Examinations, observing the guidelines of social distancing and keeping in view the support system available with them and ensuring fair opportunity to all students," read a statement.

For intermediate semester/year students, the universities may conduct examinations, after deciding on a comprehensive assessment of their level of preparedness, residential status of the students, status of COVID-19 pandemic spread in different regions/state and other factors.

In case the situation does not appear to be normal in view of COVID-19, in order to maintain "social distancing", safety and health of the students, grading of the students could be composite of 50% marks on the basis of the pattern of internal evaluation adopted by the universities and the remaining 50% marks can be awarded on the basis of performance in previous semester only (if available).

"A COVID-19 cell will be constituted in every university which will be empowered to solve the issues of students related to the academic calendar and examinations," read the statement. The cell would aid in faster decision making.

Intermediate Semester Students will be graded on the basis of internal assessment of the present and previous semester. In states where the COVID-19 situation has normalized, exams will be held in the month of July.

The Universities may chart out its own plan of action taking into consideration the issues pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, Universities can also adopt alternative and simplified modes and methods of examinations to complete the process in shorter period of time.

UGC has also suggested adoption of efficient and innovative modes of examinations by reducing the time from 3 hours to 2 hours.

Terminal semester/ year examinations for PG/ UG courses/ programmes may be conducted by universities as suggested in the academic calendar. The timing of the examination may be considered appropriately by the universities, and examination may be conducted keeping in mind the guidelines of social distancing".

The internal evaluation can be continuous evaluation, prelims, mid-semester, internal evaluation or whatever name is given for student progression.

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