UGC Guidelines On Examination And Academic Calendar For Students

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Due to COVID 19 pandemic, an impact was seen in every sector of the system. The education sector which is being hampered from the last 40 days was an issue that needs to be structured as soon as possible. Keeping education a priority thing UGC constituted an expert committee to structure and give recommendations on the questions related to the ongoing semester examination, academic calendar following the academic loss and related problems to academics of students. The committee was chaired by Prof. R.C. Kuhad, a former member of the UGC, Vice-Chancellor – Central University of Haryana along with other members. The committee gave its report on the problems discussed and submitted it to UGC.

The UGC on 29th April 2020 issued guidelines in the presence of Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ ( HRD Minister), Shri Amit Khare (Secretary, Higher Education, MHRD) and other officials of the department.

The recommendation in the guidelines are –

  1. Intermediate Semester – The students of Intermediate semester that means the students who are not in their first and last semester will be graded on internal assessment of the present and last semester. In states where the situation of COVID – 19 has normalized, there can be exams in July.
  2. Terminal Semester – The students of the terminal semester that means the students who are in their final semesters, their exams will be held in July.
  3. A COVID 19 cell to be made in every university to solve the problems of students relating to exams and academic year.
  4. A COVID 19 cell to be created in UGC for the faster decision of problems.
  5. The guidelines are advisory.
  6. Universities can make their plan according to their convenience.
  7. The universities must ensure social distancing.
  8. For examination, universities must complete the process in a shorter time. The universities must complete the process from 3 hours to 2 hours.
  9. The academic calendar for 2019-20 is being recommended as –

 Conduct of online classes from 16/03/2020 to 31/05/2020, Finalising of Internship reports, and other things from 1/06/2020 to 15/06/2020, Summer Vacations from 16/06/2020 to 30/06/2020.

Examination of –

Terminal Semester from 1/07/2020 to 15/07/2020.

Intermediate Semester from 16/07/2020 to 31/07/2020.

  1. The academic session of 2020-21 of old students may commence from 1/08/2020 and for new students from 1/09/2020.
  2. A 6 day week pattern can be followed by universities.
  3. Virtual classroom and video conferencing facilities must be given and trained in teaching staff.
  4. Promotes mentor-mentee counseling.
  5. Universities may adopt an alternative process of the admission process, if otherwise legally tenable.

Submitted by –

Bibhanshu Mishra

Student Reporter, INBA