Panjab University: Final Year Exams of UG & PG Courses to be held from September 17 in Online Mode

Panjab University (PU) is all set to conduct it’s first ever online final year examinations of both UG and PG Classes from September 17 to 30, 2020. 

PU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raj Kumar, today chaired a meeting of the Standing Committee on Examination and Charging. Sources confirmed that it was decided to perform a 4-hour blended (online/offline) examination, which includes downloading the question paper and attempting to reply and uploading the scanned copy of the reply sheets to the designated email IDs.

Also Read: Panjab University Scraps PU UGLAW 2020; Admission Criteria Changed​

The University is all set to conduct it's first ever online examinations of Undergraduate(UG) and Postgraduate (PG) Courses from 17th September, 2020 for the exit/terminal classes#onlineexams@ugc_india @DrRPNishank @PunjabGovtIndia pic.twitter.com/3rvydtlBmo

— Panjab University (@OfficialPU) September 5, 2020

Examination to be of Four-Hour Duration

University Sources said, “It has been decided that the duration of the examination will be four hours. The duration has been divided into three parts which include one hour for downloading examination paper, two hours for attempting answers and one hour for uploading scanned answer sheet. It has also been proposed that a student, if unable to upload the answer sheet, may submit it at the nearest centre/college or send it by speed post at the address provided within the stipulated time.”

Previously, the Standing Committee requested the Vice-Chancellor (VC) to call the Syndicate meeting to take any decision on the conduct of the final year reviews. However, given the urgency of the matter, the VC decided today to chair the committee meeting.

"Only this month, as per the time given by the UGC, we have to conduct these examinations. All universities must carry out their examinations before September 30, 2020. It was therefore decided to conduct the examinations from September 17-30, 2020, "said a member of the committee while seeking anonymity.

"The duration of the exam will be four hours, during which students will have to download the exam papers, scan the answer sheets and send them to the designated emails.

Helpline numbers will be given to students. Special attention will be given to students from far-flung areas. All details will soon be disclosed, "the member of the committee added.

Also Read: Panjab University scraps PUTHAT 2020; Admission to be based on 10+2 Results, Apply by August 19 for PU Admission 2020​

Meanwhile, the PU spokesperson refused to receive any such information until this report had been filed. "The meeting was held today, but there is no official confirmation of the date of the examinations," the PU spokesperson added.

When contacted with regard to any decision on the examinations, Parvinder Singh, Controller of Examinations, said, "Can not confirm any information unless I receive it in writing."

Meanwhile, another official, who did not wish to be appointed and was present at the meeting, confirmed the developments. The officer is also a member of the Standing Committee.

All Entrance Tests Scrapped

In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was also decided to scrap all entrance tests. "All entrance tests, including the five-year and three-year law courses and others, have been decided to be scrapped. The decision was taken while taking into account the fact that no other university carried out entrance tests during the ongoing pandemic, "said a member of the committee.

"In order to run their shops, the owners of a few coaching institutions approached the High Court of Punjab and Haryana for examinations. However, the Constitutional Committee has decided to abolish all entrance tests, "he added.

Also Read: Punjab and Haryana High Court Stays Panjab University Exams until 20 August