UGC revised guidelines for University Exam 2020, to be conducted by September end

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday issued revised guidelines for University Exam 2020.  As per the newly issued guidelines, the varsities are asked to compulsorily conduct the final year examinations by the end of September 2020 but only on conditions complying with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) guidelines laid down by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The examinations can be conducted either offline (pen and paper) or online or in a blended mode i.e. online + offline.

It further said that the guidelines regarding the intermediate semester/year examinations, as notified earlier in the April 29 statement, remain unchanged.

The UGC also said, “It is reiterated that the universities should give paramount importance to health and safety of students, faculty, and staff and adhere to the Government protocols/ guidelines related to COVID-19 while conducting the examinations.”

“At the same time, it is very crucial to ensure academic credibility, career opportunities, and future progress of students globally. Academic evaluation of students is a very important milestone in any education system,” the commission said in the statement. 

It also mentions that UGC is  “constantly making efforts to address the various issues related to teaching, learning, examinations, academic calendar, etc in the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic.”

Several states including Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh had earlier canceled all higher education exams and announced that students will be promoted on the basis of their prior performances in exams.

The exams in colleges and educational institutions have been pending since March this year, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.