AKTU Schedules Three Exams in a Day amid COVID-19: Students demand online exams

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) scheduled three papers on one day for B.Tech final exams starting September 8. Meanwhile, changed question paper format irked students who demand online exams like other universities.

---

B.Tech students pointed out, AKTU has scheduled 3 theory papers on September 8, 2020. Not only this, but the exams will also be conducted offline amid COVID-19 scare with a gap of half-hour between them.

Earlier, AKTU released PG Exam schedule without prior notice and shocking students with an unpleasant surprise. To which, AKTU spokesperson replied, “Since there are no theoretical examinations in the last year of MTech, MPharma and March, we had to schedule the examination for the first year.”

AKTU’s New Exam Format Challenges Students

Students are of the view that as AKTU adopted a new exam format for the students, it had only added to students’ woes. Scheduling exams on three theory papers is a harsh decision per se. But then, the university chose to set such timings amid a pandemic when social distancing is the new normal.

Read | AKTU Shuts Down 22 Technical Colleges from Academic Session 2020

Arranging for offline exams is a disadvantage in these trying times as it increases the probability of spreading the infection faster. Moreover, when exams are held at such short time gaps, chances are even higher.

Meanwhile, AKTU students were uncomplacent with the way university proceeded with online classes. With bare minimum teaching, appearing for MCQ format exams is another challenge. 

Given the AKTU offline exams for B.Tech that are slated for September 8, many students are horrified by the fact that they have to travel long distances to reach exam centres. Students complain having to stay at a hotel nearby exam centres, gorge on street food and remain masked all day while taking exams amid pandemic.

Earlier, AKTU had conducted online project presentations which went well. Hence, students demand online exams taking a cue from other universities. 

COVID-19 Impact: University Exams go Online in 2020

Allahabad University has decided to conduct final semester exams from September 14 in online mode. Varsity promoted intermediate students directly to following semesters. Earlier, it had completed 9 days of exams for graduating batches. 

As the lockdown was announced, the exams were called off. AU will resume with remaining papers in digital mode from the second week of September. 

After the Supreme Court order mandated conducting final year exams to confer degrees to graduating batches, many universities have followed suit. Universities of Calcutta, Maharashtra, Odisha and others are gearing up for September exams.

Check a detailed list of Final Exams of Universities:

However, Universities have to follow UG and Ministry of Health recommended Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hosting exams amid a pandemic. Guidelines state students and staffs from containment zones will be prohibited from entering exam centres. Alternate arrangements have to be made for them.