IIT Delhi Offers 'Early Graduation' In The Policy Formed For Graduating Batch

IIT Delhi has come up with a policy for their graduation batch. It aims to ensure that students graduating in less than a semester, don't have to suffer because of the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

(Representational Image: PTI)

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has formed a policy for the batch graduating in a semester to ensure that the nationwide lockdown does not affect their plans for their future. This plan includes an 'early graduation' option for students. IIT Senate has approved the policy but suitable changes will be made according to the Covid-19 situation in the country. "The graduating batch (students who have less than a semester of graduation requirements left) can decide on an 'early graduation' option, which will be the end of June or go through a 'regular graduation process' (as and when we are allowed to reconvene) and follow a regular schedule for graduation," IIT Delhi Director V Ramgopal Rao said. "As per the current plans, we hope to get the students back to the campus starting from July 2 in a phased manner. However, these dates can change depending on how the Covid-19 situation evolves. Since there may be some delays in this, the time-bound early graduation plan is being offered. Students are not forced to take it, but will have the flexibility if they choose to exercise this option," he added. The early graduation option includes two choices - an audit pass or fail option or a credit option. "For the audit pass or fail option, instructors will declare the cut-off and the process, taking into account the Covid-19 related constraints. For the credit option, students will take online tests, take-home exams, assignments, and telephonic viva-voce. The grading policy for the credit option will also be announced soon. All early graduation requirements will be met through an online process," Prof Rao said. No student will have to come to the campus for the assessment, except for taking away their belongings. Once the requirements for audit pass or credit options have been set, students will have to do the needful for their chosen option through an online portal. "If they would like to graduate at a later date as usual (default option), then they can choose to do so. There are also relaxations being given for credits and an institute-level committee will screen all such exceptions being sought by students," Prof Rao said. "In case a student cannot complete graduation requirements by June-end with these options offered to them, they will have a fallback option to graduate when the semester reconvenes. The pass and fail percentages this year will be no different from the previous years. It will be our responsibility to ensure that no one is disadvantaged because of the prevailing COVID-19 situation," he added. Universities and schools in India have been closed since a nationwide lockdown was imposed in March to contain the Coronavirus spread in the country. Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed its 'Unlock' plan where it aims to reopen educational institutions in the third phase. WATCH: Javadekar announces big decisions after Union Cabinet meet