Universities in Andhra Pradesh chalking out plans for final-year exams

Even as the COVID-19 positive cases continue to rapidly rise in Andhra Pradesh, universities in the state are busy chalking out plans to hold final-year examinations as per the UGC guidelines.

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): With the University Grants Commission (UGC) making it mandatory for final-year examinations, universities in Andhra Pradesh are now busy chalking out plans to hold the examinations.

In its revised guideline, the UGC had directed the higher education institutions that final year examinations would be conducted in the month of September 2020, instead of July 2020, as per its guidelines announced in April.

The HRD Ministry asserted that the guidelines issued by the UGC have to be followed mandatorily and academic evaluation of students is crucial to ensure credibility and career opportunities.

While nearly three lakh students are set to appear for final-year examinations this year, distance education wings of some state varsities have already issued exam notifications.

Nevertheless, a cloud of confusion continues to linger over the scheduling of exams in Andhra Pradesh, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state.

Read:Rahul Gandhi urges UGC to cancel varsity exams amid pandemic

However, the Andhra University (AU) will adhere to the UGC guidelines and make necessary preparations, said Prof K Venkata Rao, dean (academic affairs).

In a recently released statement, the UGC said that out of 755 universities, 194 have already conducted examinations whereas 366 institutions are planning to hold exams in August and September.

However, states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Delhi have announced reservations against the plan citing the COVID-19 situation.