New Delhi, 15 December 2021 – Due to the fear of the impending Omicron virus, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued new guidelines for all universities to follow. These guidelines were released on 13 December and cater to re-opening of universities and conducting semester examinations. The official notification is available on the official website of the commission (ugc.ac.in).ย
According to the official notice issued by the UGC, “The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has requested that strict COVID-19 guidelines should be followed by educational institutions. Thus, colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions should be following COVID-19 appropriate behavior at all times and places.”
UGC Guidelines on Conducting Semester Exams and Reopening Universities – At a Glance
- UGC has instructed educational institutes across the country to strictly follow COVID-19 guidelines. These include following protocols like wearing masks, maintaining social distance, using hand sanitizers, avoiding sharing stationery, among others.ย
- The commission has also instructed institutions to make appropriate decisions regarding the conduct of in-person classes and the opening of the campuses. Colleges are required to carry out appropriate social distancing measures while doing so.ย
- UGC has left the decision of conducting examinations on institutions themselves. Thus, colleges can conduct examinations offline, online, or in hybrid form – as per their choice.ย
- However, the mode of conduct of semester exams and in-person classes must be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the UGC as well as the advisories issued by the Central and State governments.ย
Why are Universities Being Reopened Amidst Omicron Fear?
Universities and colleges across the country are being reopened to make up for the loss of learning that has happened in the past 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.ย
To combat the learning loss and to bring Indiaโs educational infrastructure back to speed, government and private universities across the country are being reopened. However, this is being done while maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols on the forefront as parents are worried about the safety of their children.ย
To view the latest UGC guideline on conducting semester exams and re-opening universities, please click here.ย
