RTMNU BoEE proposes to conduct summer exams in hybrid mode
| Date :22-Apr-2022 |
Staff Reporter
After much deliberation over the issue of conducting summer examinations Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has come up with a proposal to hold the exams in off-line as well as on-line mode. While theory papers will be conducted in a blended mode, students will have to appear in practical exams in person (off-line mode only). This was proposed by Board of Examinations and Evaluation (BoEE) in its meeting held on Thursday. The BoEE has moved the proposal to Academic Council for the final call.
As per the new development on the exam issue, RTMNU will conduct theory examinations in off-line as well as in on-line mode. If students want to write examinations off-line, the university has shown its readiness to provide all the required facilities to such students. For those who prefer on-line mode, the university will conduct the exams on-line. All practical examinations will be held in off-line mode.
The examinations will begin on May 2 with practical examinations of all final year students, even semester of UG courses at college and department level. These examinations will conclude on May 14, 2022.
Theory examinations of all final year, even semester of Post Graduate courses at university level will be held between May 17 and May 31, 2022. Practical examinations of all final year, even semester of Post Graduate courses at university level will begin on May 23 and conclude on May 31, 2022. Theory examinations of all final year, even semester of Post Graduate courses at university level will be conducted from June 1 to June 11, 2022. Between May 25 and June 10, 2022 practical examinations of all pre final year, even semester of Under Graduate courses at college and department level will be conducted. Theory examinations of all pre final year, even semester of Under Graduate courses at college and department are scheduled from June 11 to June 28, 2022.
The schedule for theory/practical examinations of all first year/even semester of Under Graduate and Post Graduate courses (professional and non professional courses) has not finalised yet.
About a couple of weeks ago, Maharashtra’s Education Minister Uday Samant had said, universities should hold examinations off-line. In fact, he also had advised students to opt for off-line mode. Accordingly, the universities in Maharashtra prepared themselves to conduct summer examinations in off-line mode.
Samant had also said, writing off-line examination is always a better option. It also provides transparency and students become habitual of actually writing the paper. Surprisingly, later on, Samant took a U-turn and asked universities to decided on mode of exams. Most students are of the view that examinations conducted in on-line mode does not test their real talent. Since there is no mechanism to check whether a student is involved in the act of copying or not while appearing in the exam in on-line mode. Also, it is very difficult to check such practice.
For the last two years, due to outbreak of the pandemic, most of the academic works continued, but in on-line mode. Students as well as faculties have become habitual of on-line mode.
According to sources, some teachers’ organisations also have opposed conducting the exams off-line, as in online mode they don’t have to exert much. Secondly, it has been found that students are confident of clearing the examinations and score more marks. Some students have allegedly started using some apps that help them get answers to the questions immediately. Some allegedly hire senior and meritorious students who help them in writing papers on-line. Though universities tried to develop a mechanism to stop students from using unlawful means, but some students, with the use of technology, started countering the university’s system.