Given the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, the Education Ministry has directed all Centrally-Funded Educational Institutions (CFTIs) including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) to postpone all the offline exams that are scheduled in May 2021. However, the Central Universities are allowed to conduct online exams, if required.
This decision by the Ministry has been taken after paying heed to the numerous statements by students against conducting physical examinations during a raging pandemic.
Advices Issued by the Education Ministry for Central Universities
- Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare has mentioned in an officially released letter that the decision on conducting and scheduling the exams shall be reviewed in June first week.
- The letter further issued an advice that if anyone in the institution needs any assistance, it must be provided as soon as possible so that the students can deal with the situation at the earliest.
- The institutions have also been recommended to encourage students and staff members to get themselves vaccinated while ensuring that everyone follows COVID-19 appropriate behaviour for their own safety.
University Examinations and Measures During COVID
Several universities across India including Delhi University have postponed their exams due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the situation, the students are expecting the exams to be conducted in an open-book or online mode.
Besides implementing several necessary measures, several IITs have announced session/semester breaks. IIT Delhi, for example, has relaxed its evaluation policy for students and researchers.
The students of AMU have also written a letter to their Vice Chancellor, Tariq Mansoor, asking him to consider all safety measures and adequate postponement of the exams.
