UGC decides against scrapping final year/semester exams for academic credibility and career of students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday decided against scrapping of the final semester (or final-year) examinations. In its revised guidelines on examinations, it asked the universities/institutions to conduct terminal semester(s)/ final year(s) examinations by the end of September in offline (pen & paper)/online/ blended (online + offline) mode.

"In view of the emerging situation related to COVID-19 pandemic in India, it is important to safeguard the principles of health, safety, fair 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", the UGC said.  

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had also allowed the UGC to conduct the examinations. 

Provision of Examination through Special Chance

As per the revised guidelines, in case a student of the terminal semester/ final year is unable to appear in the examination conducted by the University for whatsoever the reason(s) may be, he/she may be given an opportunity to appear in special examinations for such course(s)/ paper(s). This 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.   

Backlog of Papers 

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. UGC made it clear that the guidelines regarding intermediate semester/ year examinations will remain unchanged as notified on April 29. 

UGC said that, notwithstanding its guidelines regarding the 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.

Background

UGC had issued guidelines on examinations and an academic calendar for the universities in view of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown on April 29. In these guidelines, it was proposed to conduct the examinations in July 2020. However, the UGC requested its expert committee to revisit the guidelines for examinations and academic calendar as the number of COVID cases were still rising and likely to increase further. 

The Report of the Expert Committee was considered and approved by the Commission in its emergent meeting held on July 6, which recommended against scrapping of the final semester (or final-year) examinations.  

"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", UGC stated in a letter addressed to the universities/colleges. 

Read the UGC letter here:

[pdfviewer]http://theleaflet.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1303978_Letter-regarding-revised-UGC-Guidelines-on-Examinations-and-Academic-Calendar.pdf[/pdfviewer]

Read the Revised Guidelines here:

[pdfviewer]http://theleaflet.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6100894_UGC-Revised-Guidelines-on-Examinations-and-Academic-Calendar-for-the-Universities-in-view-of-COVID-19-Pandemic_06_07_2020.pdf[/pdfviewer]