Nagaland University awaits UGC nod to conduct final year exams

Dimapur, June 18 (EMN): Nagaland University (NU) has decided to conduct the examination for the final year students after receiving directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

This was mutually agreed upon during the joint meeting of All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) and NU officials on June 16 at NU headquarters Lumami. The members felt that degree certificate issued by NU alone promoting the final year students without conducting exams might be nullified beyond the state of Nagaland. Therefore, considering such peril repercussion, the members agreed to conduct exam for the final year students after receipt of UGC/MHRD’s advice/directive, an update from ANCSU president Vimeyiekho Vitso and general secretary Imnameren N Jamir stated.

It was also agreed that all the 52 examination centres for conducting end semester exam for 7,500 undergraduate final year students under NU should be properly sanitised, follow social distancing (minimum 1 meter distance between the students in their examination seat plan), strictly follow the SOPs, all students, teachers, and staff of the college to wear face masks, wash hands, use hand sanitisers during the examination. Similarly, those autonomous colleges and universities also have been asked to follow similar remedial measures.

The members agreed that NU would notify the exam routine (minimum 20 days ahead from the date of exam commencement) only after ensuring the safe return and stay of the students. NU should, in line with other state universities, conduct the exam so that no student is deprived of pursuing further studies outside the state, the release added.

ANCSU highlighted on the UGC guidelines (April 29, 2020) and proposed that the promoted 2nd and 4th semester students be given a chance to improve their grades. The same would be put up with the university authority for favourable decision.

ANCSU also highlighted on proper dissemination of information regarding conduct of exams to the students and stakeholders of the affiliated colleges. It requested the university and colleges to establish a cell for handling student grievances related to examinations and academic activities as per the UGC guidelines.

Since UGC/ MHRD has not given any directive till date for promoting the final year students without examination, ANCSU appealed to the final year students to continue preparing for the end semester exam while anticipating for the new/revised UGC/ MHRD guidelines. It expressed confidence that the UGC/MHRD would thoroughly assess the prevailing situation in the country and issue guidelines in the greater interest of students community.

ANCSU, while reiterating its appeal for promotion of undergraduate 6th semester students (backlog semester exam 2020) without conducting physical/online mode of examination, apprised the examination section members (Controller of Examination, Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar) on the various difficulties faced by the students during this unprecedented situation of pandemic. NU Controller of Examination had also briefed the members on the webinar of MHRD minister with the educational institutes to conduct final university and college exams after July, 2020.

ANCSU further stated that the matter has also being apprised to the state chief secretary and the department of Higher Education for necessary action.