The effect of COVID-19 would continue in 2021 too. Like other sectors, education sector also suffered in terms of examinations, in terms of taking classes, etc. Now, there is another problem that is likely to be faced by students, universities, colleges. This year the two examinations - first and second semesters - are likely to be held simultaneously as the admissions are conducted late and so beginning of acadmic year also was delayed.

 

When contacted Dr Praful Sable, Director of Examinations and Evaluation, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) said, “Admissions of non-professional courses were completed much earlier and in August their classes too began. But the admission process of professional ones still going on. Normally, first semester examination is conducted between October and December. This year it was not possible because of several issues arose due to pandemic. The courses of non-professional programmes are already completed. As per our proposal the first semester examination of non-professional courses can be conducted by their respective colleges in February, while the second semester can be conducted in March by University. Similarly we are chalking out for examination of professional courses.”

 

Considering delay in beginning of academic year, university feels throughout this session, colleges should conduct examinations of odd semesters while the even ones will be looked after by RTMNU. “Colleges can moderate their papers, conduct examinations, give marks and send them to us. We will prepare the marksheet,” said Dr Sable.

 

Can merging of two examinations into one be a solution? Dr Sable said, “Merging does not come under the university’s scheme of examinations. Either we can hold the examinations separately or promote the students after Government’s green signal. Winter examination 2020 should be handled by colleges themselves while university will take the responsibility of Summer-2021 examinations.”

 

In last on-line examinations students were given the choice while writing examinations. For example, in 50 marks paper they had the choice of solving 25 questions. They applied guesswork and secured a good score. RTMNU bosses feel, it would degrade the quality and students too will be at loss as far as academic standard is concerned.

 

“We are planning to keep 80 marks paper and will have 40 questions without choice. There will be fill in the blanks, replacing one word, etc., that would test the students’ real talent. This will compel students study a bit deeper,” explained Dr Sable. Of the total marks, 20% will have good difficulty level, 40% of moderate type and 40% will be of easy level. Whatever the university is planning there is no clear directions from Govt on holding the examinations. It is also not known whether Government would give green signal to hold the examinations or would ask universities to promote the students. Secondly, like last session if there is a clash between Governor who happens to be the Chancellor of the Universities in State and Minister of Education, then students have to undergo sufferings because of uncertainty of examinations.