Need ‘quick decision’ on open-book exams: Delhi University teachers to UGC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi University Teachers Association has written to the University Grants Commission (UGC) seeking a “quick decision” on the changes in exam schedule made by the university. The university earlier announced open book examinations (OBE) for final year students from July 1 and on Saturday, postponed their start to July 10.

The DUTA has requested the apex higher education regulator to intervene in the decisions DU administration is taking, which is putting to risk the lives of students. DUTA has described the rescheduling of examination dates a “mindless experimentation” by university administration and argued that it is taking a toll on the mental and physical well-being of the students.

Earlier, the DU issued a fresh circular stating that the OBE for the final year students of the graduation and post-graduation courses have been postponed in view of the coronavirus pandemic by 10 days. The OBE examinations were scheduled to begin from July 1, and the mock tests were to be available one week prior to their commencement. The examinations will now begin from July 10, and the mock tests will begin from July 4, 2020.

According to the teachers’ association, the postponement of OBE by 10 days has created a wave of panic across the university as many students had made travel plans according to the earlier schedule. “Moreover, is it that the health situation in the country is going to improve in the ten days?” DUTA questioned.

Technically, DU’s decision to hold exams online comply with the UGC’s May guidelines on exams, admission and academic calendar during COVID-19 but since then, the minister for human resource development, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has asked UGC to “revisit” those guidelines.

Also read:

• COVID-19: Attendance at 50%, online classes, exams not possible, says DUTA
• Coronavirus: Delhi University goes online as all colleges close

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