Human resource development (HRD) minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank went live on Facebook on 28th May to interact with over 45,000 heads, teachers etc of various universities.
Answering the questions of pending university exams, he confirmed that final semester examinations will be conducted. In case the situation in the zone is still not conducive for the examination, measures would be taken to find alternatives. Moreover, for 1st and 2nd year students, in case the situation doesn’t improve, UGC exam guidelines have laid out provisions on how to promote the students or mark them.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he said “The first-year students will be passed on the basis of internal assessment. The second-year students to be passed as – 50% marks will be considered from previous year results and 50% based on the Internal Assessments. The third-year students will have to take exams but Special arrangements will be made for the students in Red Zones and students will be given relaxation according to the conditions in their hometown.”
A task force of UGC and NCERT is working on various guidelines, focusing on the safety of students. Answering the speculations regarding opening of school, he told NDTV that, “I am confident the situation will be normal. If it doesn’t get better, we will consult the ministry, students, and parents. We will consider all the suggestions. The safety of students will be our foremost priority.” The final decision will only be made keeping in mind the conditions in the country and the decision will be guided by the views of health and home ministries. He also added that any tentative date would be more than a month away, and that board exams will be conducted from July 1 to 15, and schools will reopen after that.
UGC is also working on identifying top 100 universities in the country who will be allowed to offer online degree courses. The evaluation of online degree courses will be different from regular courses. Emphasis will be made on the quality of these courses so that the quality of curriculum isn’t affected.
