IP University sets exam dates but students demand cancellation

NEW DELHI: Delhi based Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, or IP University, has released a set of proposed date sheets for BA, BA LLB and BBA LLB end-term exams to be conducted offline. The IP University examinations are scheduled between June 22 and July 14. Students, however, want the exams cancelled the way Maharashtra has done. The announcement of dates has fuelled protests and students are concerned about their safety while appearing for exams during the coronavirus pandemic.

The IP University exams will held in morning and afternoon shifts and each shift will be of two hours. The end-semester examination will commence BA, or Bachelor of Arts, will commence from for June 22 and that for LLB, or law students, from July 1, while that for BA LLB July 3.

‘Cancel exams’

Students, however, are deeply unhappy with the announcement of exam dates.

One student, demanding exam cancellation, said, “IPU has released proposed datesheet on its website. But how is it to conduct physical exams in such conditions? Offline exams are not possible currently as many of the students are from other states. No one would like to risk their lives for exams.”

Another student wrote on Twitter: “Even in a time of such adversity, where people are literally trying to save themselves, The great IPU can only think of exams. The sheer mental pressure of having to give exams in 2 weeks with the surroundings in chaos make it impossible.”

Exam policies have cause consternation across colleges and universities within Delhi with students of Delhi University and Delhi Technological University.

UGC guidelines on exams

In April, a UGC expert committee had suggested reducing the duration of each exam to two hours from three and holding exams in shifts but "without compromising the quality". This would allow for social distancing, a critical part of preventing the spread of coronavirus. It has also suggested considering 50 percent of the marks as internal assessment – in place of the customary 30 percent – and for the remaining 50 percent, "assignments, project work, term paper, mini review, open books exam etc."

These can replace exams for undergraduate and postgraduate students. But “terminal year or semester” students – those in their last year or semester of the programme will have to write exams which will be conducted as soon as it becomes “feasible” to do so.

Also read:

• IP University extends application deadline till May 25
  
• IP University to train faculty in e-learning
  

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