755 of 945 universities respond to UGC’s final-year exam deadline

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 19

Majority of Indian universities have chalked out their final-year exam schedules to meet the UGC deadline of September 30, with 755 out of 945 universities responding to the UGC communication in this regard.

The UGC today said out of 945 universities (as per the list maintained by UGC till June 1, 2020), the responses were obtained from 755 Universities (120 Deemed Universities, 274 Private Universities, 40 Central Universities and 321 State Universities) and information from remaining universities is being obtained.

“Out of the 755 universities, 560 have either conducted the examination or are planning to conduct. Among these 560 varsities, 194 have already conducted examination and 366 are planning to conduct examination in online, offline, blended mode in August and September. In addition, 27 Private Universities were established during 2019-20 and their first batch is yet to become eligible for final examination,” Secretary, UGC, said today in a statement.

After the UGC postponed the academic calendar allowing varsities to plan end of semester exams by September 30, 2020, the universities were required to chart out a plan for completion of final year examinations in offline (pen and paper); online or blended (online and offline) mode following the prescribed protocols and guidelines related to COVID19 pandemic.

The UGC guidelines mentioned that in case a student of terminal semester is unable to appear in the examination conducted by the university, he or she may be given opportunity to appear in special examinations for such courses which may be conducted by the university as and when feasible.

UGC communicated to the universities on July 8 the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Conduct of Examinations as suggested by HRD Ministry.

The varsities have now responded to the UGC sharing their exam schedules.

UGC today reiterated that exams are an integral part of the education system. “The performance in examinations contributes to merit, lifelong credibility, wider global acceptability for admissions, scholarships, awards, placements, and better future prospects. A large number of best universities across the world including US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries, have conducted or are conducting examinations by giving various options,” said the UGC today.