Coronavirus Lockdown: JNU, DU Mulling Over Online Examinations; Summer Vacations To Get Cancelled

Since the lockdown has been extended, courses, examinations, dissertations, and submissions are currently on hold. The council is looking for recommendations from the faculty members in order to facilitate this.

A deserted view of Delhi University as it has been closed after the order of Delhi government as a precautionary measure against coronavirus. (Getty Image)

New Delhi: Since the lockdown has been extended JNU is about to finalise the mode of examinations . A consultative meeting among the vice-chancellor, rectors, registrar and various deans of schools and the chairpersons of special centres was held on April 12, 2020. Since the lockdown has been extended, courses, examinations, dissertations, and submissions are currently on hold. The council is looking for recommendations from the faculty members in order to facilitate this. As students of JNU come from different parts of the country, some from very remote areas, internet connectivity can be an issue. The recommendations will be submitted today, which will finalise how the academic year will continue. Suggestions have come from members for online conduction of exams and usage of virtual learning methods to conduct them. The committee also suggested the cancellation of summer vacations for students this year. The two committees have also suggested online modes of teaching and learning. They are now looking for a flexible yet efficient mechanism that will facilitate all students. Delhi University is also considering holding online examinations for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. According to some reports, the university has asked the Delhi University Computer Centre (DUCC) to come up with a platform for conducting the examinations online. Certain suggestions from the committee members included sending eight questions to students and they will have to answer four of them by uploading a four-minute video clip in response. But it is considered practically impossible for students to do so. The datasheet was withdrawn as the lockdown was extended by Prime Minister Modi till May 3.