IIT Bombay closes spring semester, to grade students based on already conducted exam

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has decided to close its Spring Semester, for which exams were pending, keeping in mind the ongoing coronavirus crisis in the country.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has decided to close its Spring Semester, for which exams were pending, keeping in mind the ongoing coronavirus crisis in the country.

IIT Bombay will do the final grading of students, of all years, in theory as well as lab courses based on the marks they have obtained in exams that have already completed during the semester.

During a senate meeting on Monday, the institute came to the conclusion that final grading for students should be based on their performance in already conducted examinations, including the mid-semester exams. Teachers may choose to conduct an additional online test for a maximum weightage of 20%, provided all students are able to take the online test.

The decision was taken keeping in mind that the number of coronavirus cases is increasing day by day and with the nationwide lockdown, students might not be able to return to the campus any time soon. The senate has also constituted a committee to make hostels and other facilities on campus ready to handle ‘unexpected situations’, once the college reopens.

On March 28, the institute had announced early summer vacation for the students in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, even before the Spring Semester exams could be conducted.

The institute has now come up with a detailed plan for grading students based on their earlier performances. “The institute has resolved the issue of closure of semester and issued the minutes of the senate meeting to students,” said Subhasis Chaudhari, Director, IIT Bombay.

“Final grading of Theory and Lab courses will be based on the evaluation, which has been completed till (and inclusive of) the mid-semester examination. Instructors may decide for an additional evaluation using a suitable on-line mode for a maximum weightage of 20%, provided all registered students can avail the same. The instructor may also consider providing a likewise opportunity to students who might have missed the mid-semester examination for genuine reasons,” according to the minutes of the senate meeting, accessed by a media house.

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