UGC Guidelines 2020 LIVE Updates: Voices Demanding Cancellation Of Exams Grow Louder; Punjab University Students On Hunger Strike Against UGC Guidelines

UGC Guidelines 2020 LIVE Updates: As UGC issued fresh guidelines for final year examination for universities on Monday, and denied to cancel the final year exams of universities, a widespread protest has emerged demanding a roll back of the order. Parents and students across states have been demanding cancellation of exams.UGC has said that in view of the safety, career progression and placements of the students and their larger interests, after consulting Health Ministry it has been decided that exams will be conducted as per the Health Ministry SOPs for Covid-19. Here is all about what has changed and when will the academic calendar be released.The students having backlog will compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline (pen and paper) online blended (online and offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability," according to the UGC guidelines.Know all about the latest guidelines and important dates.

Background

UGC Guidelines 2020 LIVE  Updates:  "The final year examinations will be conducted by the universities or institutions by the end of September in offline, online or blended mode. The students having backlog will compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline (pen and paper) online blended (online and offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability," according to the UGC guidelines.The University Grants Commission (UGC) ihas given its final decision regarding the final year university exams. UGC will be taking a decision on whether or not to conduct the final year / semester examinations of intermediate, undergraduate and postgraduate students, putting an end to the suspense. Students have been in a dilemma over examinations since last week.Earlier media reports had said that the UGC guidelines would be released last week, but no decision was announced. It is now expected that within a day or two the fresh guidelines of UGC will be released.It is to be noted that students across the country have been demanding the cancelation of exams due to safety concerns as the cases of Coronavirus across the country keep on rising. Earlier, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank had asked the UC to revisit the guidelines issued for intermediate and terminal semester examinations for university and colleges. It also asked the body to review the academic calendar.As per the report in PTI, a panel, set up by UGC and headed by Haryana University vice-chancellor R C Kuhad, has been asked to revisit the guidelines and come up with alternative options.Punjab University has cancelled the university exams of final year. Before this Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh & Haryana had announced cancellation of exams in universities and colleges.

08/07/2020 11:57:59

Voices demanding cancellation of exams grow louder



As UGC did not cancel the final year exams for universities across India, students and parents have voiced their disagreement with the new guidelines.



Punjab University Students on Tuesday sat on a chain hunger strike until their demands are met.

08/07/2020 10:05:59

It should be noted that as many as 7 states including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and West Bengal, had earlier decided to cancel final-year exams amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

08/07/2020 09:58:05

Will states Revisit Exam Cancellation Order?



It is to be noted that several states had already annoucne cancellation of examination , as it was expected that UGC would give its decision on the same lines. However, UGC has asked to postpone exams to September instead of cancelling them.
What will the states decide now, is a major cause of concern for several students as limbo still continues.

07/07/2020 16:07:12

UGC New Exam Guidelines 2020: Key Highlights:




i. Final Year examinations will be conducted by the universities/ institutions by September end.




ii. Universities/ Institutions may choose any of mode – pen and paper, online or a combination of both as per the feasibility and suitability.




iii. Examinations are mandatory for the students who have a backlog. Such students must be compulsorily evaluated by conducting examinations in offline, online or combined mode.




iv. In case a final year students is unable to appear in the examination for any reason, he/she may be given the opportunity to appear in special examinations for such course/ paper which may be conducted by the university as and when feasible. This is applicable for the current academic session (2019-20) as a one time special measure.




v. Guidelines regarding the intermediate semesters remain the same as per the UGC Exam Guidelines 2020 released on April 29, 2020.

07/07/2020 15:22:09

MCA to be a 2-year course from academic session 2020-21: AICTE

07/07/2020 15:22:28

Master of Computer Application (MCA) will henceforth be a two-year programme, the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) announced on Tuesday.



So far, the degree programme was of three years' duration.

The AICTE has also asked all higher education institutions to make necessary modifications in the course duration of the program.

07/07/2020 14:14:26

Revised UGC guidelines on exams show complete disregard for students: DUTA

07/07/2020 14:12:36

"The final year examinations will be conducted by the universities or institutions by the end of September in offline, online or blended mode. The students having backlog will compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline (pen and paper) online blended (online and offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability," according to the UGC guidelines.

07/07/2020 14:12:03

The UGC had in April formed two committees to deliberate on issues arising due to the lockdown to avoid academic loss and take appropriate measures for the future of students.

One of the committees, led by Haryana University Vice-Chancellor R C Kuhad, was tasked with looking into ways of conducting exams in universities amid the lockdown and work on an alternate academic calendar.

The second committee, formed to suggest measures to improve online education, was led by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Vice-Chancellor Nageshwar Rao.

Based on the recommendations of the two panels, the HRD Ministry had on April 29 announced the guidelines recommending the exams for final semester students be conducted in July.

07/07/2020 14:11:42

Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the central government announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

07/07/2020 14:11:28

The Ministry has clarified that the guidelines regarding intermediate semester and year examination, announced will remain unchanged.

07/07/2020 11:55:13

UGC direction for backlog students


Students who have backlog should compulsorily be evaluated by offline or online examinations mode as per feasibility and sustainability. If a final year student is unable to appear in the examination, the university must arrange special examination for the student.

07/07/2020 10:48:37

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association also expressed disappointment on govt’s decision of forcing examinations on students. It said it was appalled at the manner in which the government “has cleared the way for forcing a sham of an exam on students”.

07/07/2020 10:41:08

The National Students Union of India (NSUI), a students' body affiliated with the Congress, has slammed the government over the decision. It said the Centre’s decision to hold final semester exams to be a "narrow-minded view" and "it will endanger student’s health".

07/07/2020 08:01:20

The provision shall be applicable only for the current academic session 2019-20 as a one-time measure. The guidelines regarding intermediate semester/ year examination, as notified on 29.04.2020 will remain unchanged. If need be, the relevant details pertaining to the Admissions and Academic Calendar in the universities and colleges shall be issued separately in place of those mentioned in the earlier guidelines issued on 29th April, 2020: UGC

07/07/2020 08:00:41

In case a student of terminal semester/ final year is unable to appear in the examination conducted by the University for whatsoever the reason(s) may be, he/she may be given opportunity to appear in special examinations for such course(s)/ paper(s), which may be conducted by the university as and when feasible, so that the student is not put to any inconvenience/ disadvantage: UGC

07/07/2020 08:00:19

The students of terminal semester/ final year students having backlog should compulsorily be evaluated by conducting examinations in offline (pen & paper)/ online/ blended (online + offline) mode as per feasibility and suitability: UGC

07/07/2020 08:00:03

The terminal semester(s)/ final year(s) examinations be conducted by the universities/ institutions by the end of September, 2020 in offline (pen & paper)/ online/ blended (online + offline) mode: UGC

07/07/2020 07:57:50

In view of the emerging situation related to COVID-19 pandemic in India, it is important to safeguard the principles of health, safety, fair and equal opportunity for students. At the same time, it is very crucial to ensure academic credibility, career opportunities and future progress of students globally. Academic evaluation of students is very important milestone in any education system. The performance in examinations gives confidence and satisfaction to the students and is a reflection of competence, performance and credibility that is necessary for global acceptability: UGC

07/07/2020 07:51:19

University Grants Commission (UGC) issues revised guidelines regarding conduct of terminal semesters/final year examination by the Universities/institutions. Examinations to be completed by end of September 2020 in offline/online/blended (online+offline) mode.

07/07/2020 07:30:25

What has changed with new guidelines:



Evaluation of the terminal semester students which was to be done through examinations in the month of July, now their examinations will be conducted by the end of September-2020, following the guidelines laid down by
Health Ministry for Covid-19.



Intermediate semester students will be evaluated based on internal assessment (as per earlier issued guidelines)

06/07/2020 21:55:05

All schools, colleges and universities were closed after India imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country. As a result is this, examinations too could not be held.

06/07/2020 20:57:25

Ministry of Home Affairs, in a letter to Union Higher Education Secretary, today permitted conduct of examinations by Universities and Institutions. The final Term Examinations are to be compulsorily conducted as per the UGC Guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for the Universities; and as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

06/07/2020 20:56:53

Ministry of Home Affairs, in a letter to Union Higher Education Secretary, today permitted conduct of examinations by Universities and Institutions. The final Term Examinations are to be compulsorily conducted as per the UGC Guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for the Universities; and as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

06/07/2020 19:32:09

With students across the country still remain in limbo over UGC guidelines for pending exminations, Rajasthan government announced the cancellation of all pending exams at universities, colleges and technical institutions for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The decision was announced by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday.

06/07/2020 18:57:03

Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have already announced the cancellation of exams in colleges and universities in the view of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The revised guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is expected to be issued soon.

06/07/2020 18:15:38

As students await the clear-cut guidelines by the University Grants Comission (UGC) for the pending semester exams, many states like Punjab and Rajasthan have already cancelled exams in their respective states in the view of Covid pandmeic and have decided to do marking of students on the basis of previous semester exams.

06/07/2020 17:46:54

Chief Minister Amrinder Singh has announced that college and University exams in Punjab have been cancelled in the view of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. CM Amrinder also made it clear that the online exams being conducted by some universities will continue uninterrupted. 

06/07/2020 16:50:50

The Tamil Nadu government has formed a panel for feasibile study for Semester Exam 2020. As per reports, the state government has has formed an 11 member panel to look into the matter of holding the pending semester and final year exams for the university and college students.

06/07/2020 16:47:17

As per sources, the HRD Ministry and UGC officials are now favouring a unified matrix that will be followed for the promotion of all college and university students across the country. The could be done due to the the cancellation of the semester examination this year on the backdrop of Coronavirus outbreak.

06/07/2020 15:04:30

Sanjay Singh writes to HRD Minister to call off Delhi University final year exams 2020



Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has written to HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank urging him to cancel the Delhi University exams which are scheduled to take place from July 10th for final year Undergraduate & post graduate courses.



It is ti be noted that the University Grants Commission is expected to release a new set of guidelines for the final year exams of universities across India which will decide whether or not the varsities will go ahead with examination and if not what will be the evaluation scheme.

06/07/2020 14:03:47

Kerala Public Service Commission postpones all the interviews and service verifications scheduled to be held between July 7 and July 10 at its office in Ernakulam district in the wake of #COVID19 pandemic.

06/07/2020 17:24:10

To clear the confusion over marking and evaluation, students in the state of West Bengal have asked help from their Chief Minister. The intermediate-semester students in the state have written to CM Mamata Banerjee as they are confused over the evaluation formula. University Grants Commission (UGC) is yet to give complete guidelines on pending University and College exams.

06/07/2020 13:30:56

As per the reports, the UGC may come up with the latest guidelines on university exams anytime now. A decision likely in the favour of cancelling exams may be announced by the University Grants Commission. It should be noted that several states have already announced cancellation of exams. They are awaiting UGC's guidelines to decide on the evaluation process.

06/07/2020 12:43:10

West Bengal university students seek CM’s help over exam confusion



The intermediate-semester students in West Bengal have sought the help from government to clear the confusion over marking and evaluation. The govt had decided to promote intermediate semester students without exams. They are now concerned over the evaluation method and have written to the CM Mamata Banerjee and VCs of state-run varsities.

06/07/2020 11:06:33

The Kerala University has declared the cancellation of all exams in view of the triple lockdown in Thiruvananthapuram corporation limits following a spike in coronavirus cases.

06/07/2020 10:52:53

Tamil Nadu University: Sate Government forms a 11 member panel to decide on semesters and final year exams



In Tamil Nadu, to take a final call on semesters and final year exams which were postponed due to the nationwide lockdown, the Higher Education Department has formed an 11 member committee to make recommendations on the conduct of University Exams in the state. Higher Education Secretary will be heading the committee, which will take call on university exam schedule.


The government has stated that the universities of the state are not in a position to conduct exams as yet due to the Covid-19 spread and health risks involved.

06/07/2020 10:25:12

Several states have already cancelled exams and have devised ways of marking students on the basis of previous semester marks, while many others are awaiting the fresh UGC guidelines on how to promote the students.

06/07/2020 09:35:29

Where to check UGC Guidelines:



UGC may declare the guidelines regarding the final year or semester exams for colleges, universities, deemed universities and colleges by today. The body will release the guidelines at its official website ugc.ac.in

06/07/2020 09:30:13

Revised guidelines for the final year/semester exams for universities and academic calendar may be released by the University Grants Commission today.

06/07/2020 07:30:36

Revised Guidelines, Decision On Final Exams, Academic Calendar May Be Released Anytime Soon


Several media reports have it that the UGC can issue revised guidelines and academic calendar anytime soon. It would then decide whether or not the university exams scheduled for July will be cancelled or not.

05/07/2020 23:13:12

At least seven States have cancelled their college and university examinations — Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal without waiting for the UGC’s fresh guidelines.

However, some private universities will continue to conduct online examinations in these States.

05/07/2020 21:54:42

In a relief for a student who faced repeated denial of doctorate degree by the Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur, the authorities have decided to send his revised thesis to an external examiner, according to an official order.

05/07/2020 21:09:01

As lakhs of students await for the new guidelines to be issued by UGC,a panel of experts, chaired by Haryana University vice-chancellor R C Kuhad, has been asked to revisit the UGC guidelines and come up with alternative options.

05/07/2020 18:57:08

'No More Wait UGC' trends on Twitter as lakhs of students await the new guidelines by UGC regarding the final semester Exams.

Students demand cancellation of exams due to the increasing number in Coronavirus cases in the country.

05/07/2020 17:35:02

The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department on Saturday formed an 11-member committee to make recommendations regarding the conduct of University semester exams.

“Universities under the aegis of the higher education department are not in a position to conduct the semester exams in view of the pandemic outbreak,” the order noted. The committee has been asked to make recommendations about semester exams based on UGC guidelines.

05/07/2020 16:50:13

Punjab cancels university exams

University and college examinations in Punjab have been cancelled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Saturday.


The students will be promoted on the basis of their previous years' results and will also have an option to take the exams later.

05/07/2020 15:44:02

UGC guidelines may be issued any time. It is believed that the guidelines of UGC will be issued only after the suggestion of the Kulhad committee. The guidelines of UGC is awaited by universities and students since over a week now.

05/07/2020 14:11:01

Gujarat Technical University, GTU final year students have written to University Grants Commission, UGC, demanding to declare result based on previous semester marks or based on merit.

05/07/2020 12:20:15

It is to be noted that students across the country have been demanding the cancelation of exams due to safety concerns as the cases of Coronavirus across the country keep on rising. Earlier, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank had asked the UC to revisit the guidelines issued for intermediate and terminal semester examinations for university and colleges. It also asked the body to review the academic calendar.

05/07/2020 12:03:14

All College University Exams Cancelled In Rajasthan



Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot announced on Saturday that all university exams will be cancelled in the state in view of Coronavirus spread.

05/07/2020 11:44:22

Exams to be cancelled?


Several media reports have said that there is a strong probability for the final year examinations of universities to be cancelled, keeping in view the rapidly rising coronavirus cases and to keep up with the social distancing norms.

05/07/2020 10:52:24

What earlier UGC guidelines stated



Earlier, the UGC had said that the final semester exams will be conducted in July. It recommended that intermediate semester students may either be evaluated on the basis of internal assessment or in states where the pandemic situation has normalised.

05/07/2020 10:47:40

States that have announced cancellation of vasrity exams so far



Punjab



Maharashtra



Odisha



Madhya Pradesh



Haryana

05/07/2020 10:41:22

Lucknow University and AKTU had also canceled exams



Lucknow University and AKTU University, both in Uttar Pradesh, have cancelled their exams scheduled to be conducted in the month of July.
Now the university will await the UGC’s guidelines regarding the exams before taking any further steps.
Lucknow University was scheduled to begin its final year exams from July 7 and AKTU was scheduled to begin its semester exams from July 16.

05/07/2020 10:37:27

Punjab cancels all university exams



CM Amarinder Singh announced cancellation of all exams in a FB Live session. The Universities will have an option to go ahead with their planned online exams if they choose to, a report by NDTV has stated. He said that students will be evaluated based on their past performance and promoted.

05/07/2020 10:37:24

Punjab has been added to the growing list of states announcing the cancellation of its university exams including the final year