HEIs may consider conducting MPhil, PhD viva-voce offline or online: UGC

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all higher educational institutions to consider conducting viva-voce of MPhil and PhD in offline or online mode. In view of its guidelines regarding conduct of exams online during COVID-19 pandemic and later opening of campuses and conduct of classes in offline, online mode post pandemic, the Commission asked colleges, universities to hold viva-voce through offline or video-conferencing using Google, Skype, Microsoft Technologies or any other technology.

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The UGC had issued guidelines on exams and academic calendar for universities in view of covid and subsequent lockdown in 2020. According to the guidelines, “the universities may conduct PhD and MPhil viva-voce examinations through video-conferencing using Google, Skype, Microsoft Technologies or any other reliable and mutually convenient technology, subject to the approval of the concerned statutory authority of the university, in compliance to regulations regarding award of MPhil, PhD degree.”

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While conducting the viva-voce exams through video conferencing using electronic means, it may be ensured that it will be open to be attended by members of the research advisory committee, all faculty members of the department, research scholars and other interested experts or researchers besides the research supervisor and examiner, the guidelines stated.

The guidelines also mandated colleges, universities to maintain a record of the viva-voce including a report signed by the examiner, appointed for conducting the exam.

UGC in its notification further said that in February 2022, it allowed HEIs to open campuses and conduct classes in offline or online mode.

“In view of the above, the higher educational institutions may consider to conduct the MPhil, PhD viva-voce examination through offline or video-conferencing using Google, Skype, Microsoft Technologies or any other reliable and mutually convenient technology,” UGC said.