Univs, colleges switch to online mode for exams

In December, the government had allowed the colleges and universities in the State to reopen and conduct classes, especially for final-year UG and PG students.

As the HEIs got the State’s permission to conduct online exams, due in September, classes could be held only about two weeks. However, the timetable for online exams varied between institutions as they were asked to conduct it as per the local situation.

A senior Higher Education Department official told DT Next that only a few students turned up at colleges that were opened.

“Certain institutions functioned without even a single student. Therefore, colleges were permitted to conduct online classes,” he said.

Stating that the students were told to appear for online exams, the official said classes were expected to start only after it.

The official also pointed out that certain colleges, which already completed online exams, were not reopened due to poor student patronage. All faculty members were instructed to come to their colleges to conduct and monitor online exams.

Professor N Pasupathy, Association of University Teachers (AUT), said all teachers were engaged in conducting online exams as there were no classes. “They were asked to complete the conduct of exams and finish answer sheet evaluation ahead of Pongal,” Pasupathy said.

The colleges were opened as the COVID numbers showed a decreasing trend. Now, the sudden spurt of a new strain has forced the authorities to increase caution.