No change in UGC's university exam schedule, Centre says student evaluation key

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 11

Despite some states like Punjab and Delhi cancelling the university exams in the light of Covid19 pandemic, the government on Saturday stuck to exam schedules and said academic evaluation of students was a must to ensure their credibility in the world and advance their career opportunities.

HRD Minister Rakesh Pokhriyal clarified that the UGC’s end of term exam deadline of September-end stands and the government was committed both to student safety and their academic credibility in the world of competitions.

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Pokhriyal said standard operating procedures were in place to ensure student safety during these exams.

“It won’t be an overstatement to say that examinations are an important milestone in a student’s life. Clearing exams gives students confidence and satisfaction. Exams reflect their prowess, commitment and credibility which, in turn, give them global acceptance. Keeping in mind student interests the UGC has fixed September 30, 2020 deadline for completion of terminal semester exams,” said the minister, adding that SOPs have been drafted in consultation with the ministries of health and Home to ensure students can safely take their tests which have been permitted on the online, offline and blended mode.

Yesterday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had demanded the cancellation of schedules.

Many CMs, including Punjab’s Amarinder Singh, Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee and Delhi’s Arvind Kejriwal, have urged the PM to review the exam issue.

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