75K take blended-mode examination

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 17

Around 75,000 students of undergraduate, postgraduate and other professional courses, including USOL/private, appeared for Panjab University’s first-ever blended-mode (online/offline) examination that started today.

A total of 47 exams were conducted on Day 1 in three slots — 9 am to 11 am, 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm.

All colleges/departments downloaded the question papers as per the scheduled time from the website and through official email IDs given to them. The question papers were then distributed among students through various electronic modes.

Prof Parvinder Singh, Controller of Examination (COE), and his technical staff maintained that the exams were conducted in a smooth manner. He said the queries of principals/chief coordinators/chairpersons were resolved by the COE.

An emergency packet of question papers was also made available at 40 nodal centres in various PU-affiliated colleges, he informed. He said around 86,616 students would be taking various exams being conducted by the PU over a span of 17 days.

Scanned copy received

The Controller of Examination, meanwhile, confirmed that a majority of the answers sheets were received and were downloaded for evaluation process by the respective teachers. “We received almost all scanned answer sheets from regular as well as private students. In a few cases, where the exams were held from 2 pm to 4 pm, private students have been allowed to send the answers sheet the next day as the postal service gets shut by that time,” said Parvinder Singh.

Earlier, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar visited the examination branch and stayed connected to the staff of the Controller of Examination office to ensure smooth conduct of exams. “The VC visited our high-tech online exam control room. We have been working day and night to make this thing happen. The major concern was handling the website load, which we had planned to distribute through three channels. However, Prof Kumar asked us to use more systems for the smooth flow of traffic. He was in constant touch with the technical team,” added Parvinder Singh.

Paper easy

Meanwhile, students said the exams were easy and uploaded on time. “The exam was easy and the new pattern — attempting 50 per cent questions — helped the students to finish the examination on time. The confirmation about receiving the answer sheet was also received on time. Appearing in the exam was a good experience,” said Aditya, a student.

“The exam was easy and uploaded on time. The Internet connection in our area (Spiti) was a bit low. However, I managed to upload the answer sheet,” said Tenzin, another student.