Maharashtra university students move Bombay HC for uniform exam pattern, mode

NEW DELHI: College and university students in Maharashtra have filed a plea in Bombay High Court seeking uniformity in exam pattern and mode and timely declaration of results, as per a Live Law report.

The petitioners reportedly argued that it was decided in the meeting held between state higher education minister Uday Samant and vice chancellors of all universities on April 25 that there would be a uniform examination pattern in all universities and exams will be conducted in offline mode.

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Despite the decision, different universities are conducting exams in different patterns. While some are holding exams through descriptive question papers, others are including Multiple Choice questions (MCQs) which is creating discrimination and arbitrariness, the students argued.

"MCQ cannot be compared with descriptive question paper patterns. Students who passed through MCQ examination will be compelled to compete with students passing through a descriptive method of examination… there will be arbitrariness, unreasonableness and discrimination," the petition said.

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Besides uniformity in the pattern of examination, students have demanded declaration of results on time.

Further, the petitioners alleged that despite orders of providing question banks and extra 15 minutes to students in offline exams, several students have not received them. They also complained that colleges are not following the fixed schedule of conducting examinations from June 1 to 15 and following their own timetable.

Recently, Samant said the upcoming examinations of non-agriculture universities in the state will be held offline, as decided by vice-chancellors of such institutions. The minister was replying to a query on some students demanding exams through the online mode.