UGC refuse to alter its notification directing the Universities to conduct final year examination by September 30
The University Grant Commission on Thursday submitted an 50-page affidavit in Supreme court stating that the commission will not alter its July 6 notification, in which it has mandated the university to conduct final year exams by September 30, 2020.
In the affidavit submitted by UGC, stated that, the UGC has taken into account the evolving situation of Covid-19 and has
- provide sufficient time till the end of September 2020 to conduct the final year/ terminal semester examinations after following the prescribed protocols and procedures relating to Covid-19;
- given sufficient flexibility to Universities/ institutions to conduct such examinations in online, offline (pen and paper) or blended (online + offline) mode; and
- provide for an examination through special chance for students who for whatsoever the reason(s) may be unable to appear for the examination.
It also stated that the decision has been taken to protect the academic future of students.
The commission also claimed in its affidavit that a student’s performance in examinations, especially in final year/ terminal semester gives them confidence. The final year or the last two semesters of a course/program consist of primarily Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) courses, Generic Elective (GE) courses and Skill Enhancement (SEC) to provide value-based and/or skill-based knowledge
It has also stated that the guidelines “have to be adopted and applied by all Universities/ institutions in the country (including State Universities)”.
According to the commission, “the decision of some states like Maharashtra and Delhi, to “either cancel” undergraduate or postgraduate exams or confer degrees to students without appearing for the final year/terminal examinations is “contrary” to its guidelines”.
A bench, led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, will consider UGC’s affidavit, submitted in response to a batch of petitions filed against the commission’s guidelines to hold final exams amid the coronavirus pandemic on July 31, 2020