No internet, no internal assessment: KU in dilemma over online exams

Srinagar:  Uncertainty looms large over the online examinations at the University of Kashmir.

Last months, University Grants Commission (UGC) had suggested varsities either to conduct online exams or wait for the lockdown to get over for pen-and-paper examinations.

However, Kashmir University is in a fix whether to hold exams online or wait for the lockdown to end.

Students too are in a dilemma whether to prepare for the previous semester or to carry on with the current semester. 

Shariqa, Class Representative (CR) of 3rd-semester BioResource department said they have completed the curriculum of 2nd-semester and are studying 3rd semester through online mode.

“University has not conducted any internal assessment exams for our previous semester. Students are under tremendous pressure and unable to concentrate on the current semester. University has issued notice to submit exam forms. We don’t know how and when they will conduct our exams,” she said.

Sabir Khan, CR of 2nd-semester Bio-Chemistry Department said they have been told that exams of both the semesters (1st and 2nd semester) will be conducted in July. “The varsity has not conducted an internal assessment of any of the semesters,” he said.

Tanveer, another CR of Botany Department said they want online exams immediately as per the UGC guidelines.  “For the last one year, we are struggling. We cannot appear for two exams simultaneously,” he said

Media Spokesperson of Kashmir University, Professor Shahid Rasool said teachers have been told to hold internal assessment exams. 

“The decision on conducting exams is yet to be taken. The varsity is discussing how and when to conduct exams. The final decision will be taken next week,” he said.