Outstation students worried as Panjab University plans to conduct exams

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 23

As the Panjab University (PU) authorities explore ways to conduct semester exams for exit classes next month, students who come from faraway places are a harried lot.

The PU had recently announced its plan to conduct exit semester exams in July and it was proposed to allot examination centre to the nearby place of residence of the candidate. However, the option was only mentioned for the students belonging to Punjab. Prof Parvinder Singh, Controller of Examinations, had further asked the authorities concerned to provide the details of the students by June 29, otherwise no change of exam centre will be allowed.

Students residing in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Leh, Ladakh, Delhi and other faraway states/cities have started enquiring about the development. While students demanded that decision should not be taken in a hurry considering the Covid-19 pandemic, the PU authorities maintained that they were just making preparation and would abide by the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.

“We are in the planning phase. We are waiting for the UGC guidelines and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directions. Any decision will be taken considering the students’ comfort and interest,” said an official requesting anonymity.

“From allowing students to stay in hostels, a few of which are not in our possession, to providing them a safe environment, there are a lot of concerns which we have to keep in mind. More than 60 per cent of our students are from outstation. Exam centres can be made in Punjab, but not in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh or others. So, it’s very difficult to take any decision,” said a professor.

Research work submission period extended

Meanwhile, the PU Vice-Chancellor has allowed MPhil and PhD students to submit designation/thesis till December 31, 2020.