Gauhati University informed its students on July 13 that the university plans to conduct all the examinations, including that for the final semester students, by the end of September amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the students, Vice Chancellor Pratap Jyoti Handique in a message on July 13 informed that the university will devise a student-friendly approach to conduct the examinations.
“The primary objective of Gauhati University at this moment is to bring completion to the ongoing semesters and allow the students to progress towards their academic objectives. Considering the present situation, GU has decided to carry out the examinations and other academic activities on the basis of the recent UGC Guidelines (dated April 29), UGC Revised Guidelines (July 6), and UGC Standard Operating Procedure (July 8),” the message addressed to all the students of the university said.
Mentioning about the concern of the students about online examinations, the VC stated, “I would like to mention that, an exclusive and student-friendly procedure is to be implemented at GU so that maximum benefit can be assured to the students. GU will implement a mixed procedure of examination and may give only a marginal weight to the online mode. A detailed procedure and calendar of the examination will be published immediately on completion of ongoing lockdown in Guwahati.”
“GU plans to complete all examination procedures by September 30. I would like to request the students to go for filling up of examination form so that the number of students aspiring for promotion to the next semester/award of final degree can be assured. The date of form fills up will be extended to facilitate all the students,” Handique added.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought severe difficulties, the ongoing floods in the state worsened the situation for the students. Trying to address these concerns, Handique said: “I wish to convey that there will be some form of examinations for all levels but with an exclusive and student friendly procedure. I request them to continue study on their own convenience. The concerns of the students are under consideration.”
Meanwhile general secretary of Post Graduate Student Union, Moon Talukdar, said that the vice-chancellor did not mention about the classes. “In the current scenario, online classes cannot be the way for all the students. This will be discrimination against the students who cannot afford a smartphone or have mobile network issues,” Talukdar said.
“The situation in Guwahati is not good. So I appeal to the VC that first conduct offline classes and when the situation becomes normal the examinations can be conducted. In the current situation, the mental healths of the students are affected and this is not ideal for conducting examinations,” Talukdar added.
(With inputs from Parashar Kalita)
