85 per cent DU students vote against open-book exams

New Delhi, May 26

Eighty-five per cent of Delhi University students, who participated in a survey-cum-referendum conducted by the Delhi University Teachers’ Association, have voted against the administration’s decision of holding online open-book exams.

The referendum, released by the DUTA on May 3, got more than 51,000 responses in 48 hours, mostly from those enrolled in regular courses, the teachers’ body said.

The DUTA has been opposing the university's decision to hold online open-book examinations (OBE).

In the survey, 38 per cent of students said they had not been able to access study material even if it has been provided to them.

Nearly 50 per cent of students said they had not received material and also cited an inability to access it.

According to the survey, only 28 per cent of students have been able to attend more than 50 per cent of the online classes.

Many students said they left for home for mid-semester break, which included Holi and was caught unaware during the lockdown.

The students said they did not have access to books, notes or e-resources.

In the survey, 85 per cent of the students said they were not prepared for taking online open-book exams.

Ninety per cent of the students said they were not prepared for any kind of exams at this juncture.

A majority of students have said they were unable to concentrate on their studies, either because of the environment at home or because of anxieties caused by livelihood or health issues.

The DUTA has been saying that the OBE is a faulty method of examination as it discriminated against those without access to books, notes and online resources, encourages malpractice and penalises honest students.

Further, it did not take care of the special needs of many students, especially the differently-abled ones, the DUTA added.

The teachers’ association demanded that the university explored alternatives, which did not disfavour a large section of students or promoted dishonesty. PTI

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