COVID-19 Impact: UGC panels recommend academic sessions in September, online exams for universities

A panel appointed by University Grants Commission (UGC) recommended that the academic session in universities and higher educational institutions can be started from September instead of July due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country.

A panel appointed by University Grants Commission (UGC) recommended that the academic session in universities and higher educational institutions can be started from September instead of July due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country.

UGC constituted two committees to look into the issues of academic loss and online education in the wake of the lockdown in the country imposed to contain the COVID-19 spread.

To work on an alternative academic calendar and to look into the ways of conducting exams in universities amid the COVID-19 spread, UGC formed a committee led by Haryana University Vice-Chancellor RC Kuhad. The second committee was formed to suggest measures to improve online education which was led by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) V-C Nageshwar Rao. The Council received reports from both the committees on April 24.

According to the source, "One panel has recommended that the academic session be started from September than July. The second panel has suggested that universities should conduct online exams if they have the infrastructure and means or wait for the lockdown to get over and then decide a date for pen-and-paper examinations."

According to HRD Ministry officials, the ministry will study both the reports and release official guidelines in this regard by next week. The official also stated, “It is not binding that all the recommendations will be accepted. After deliberating on the feasibility issues and keeping the situation in mind, guidelines will be issued.”

While talking about the challenges the Council is facing, the official revealed that the delay in conducting entrance examinations as well as the pending board exams are another hurdles in starting the academic session. The official further added, “As of now the plan is to conduct entrance examinations like NEET and JEE in June. But it is extremely important to keep reviewing the COVID-19 situation."

While the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) already announced that it be conducting CBSE 10th Board Exam and CBSE 12th Board Exam for main subjects only, there are universities and colleges that are closed due to lockdown are still waiting to conduct their semester exams. The 21-day lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to contain the COVID-19 spread was further extended on April 14 until May 3.

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