Amid the prevailing uncertainty over examinations, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) has sought suggestions from stakeholders to attain consensus on the issue.
While the university is set to commence the eighth (final) semester regular and supplementary examinations on July 1, no decision has been made regarding the examinations of lower semesters. While the university has proposed various options, they have urged Principals, managements, staff, and students' organisations to come up with ideas.
In view of the existing difficulties in conducting examinations in the pen-and-paper mode, the university is exploring other possibilities including online exams so that the students can take exams from home.
The KTU has also proposed entrusting colleges with the responsibility of conducting exams. If so, besides requiring the colleges to ensure a fair evaluation, the university will decide the final outcome through a process of normalisation that will also factor in the performance of the students in previous semesters.
Two semesters together
The university is also toying with the idea of conducting the upcoming set of exams along with the next set during November- January, thereby requiring students to attend the exams of two semesters together. Yet another idea is to conduct objective-type exams for all courses to minimise the time required for valuation. The Syndicate meeting on Wednesday is likely to discuss the issue. A final decision will be made by the Academic Council, sources said.
IITs’ methods
The KTU has been closely observing the methods adopted by the IITs and other leading technological universities in the country in circumventing the difficulties associated with the pandemic. While many IITs have decided either to conduct final-year examinations through the online mode or through telephonic viva, the KTU has opted to persist with the conventional mode by adhering to the guidelines laid down by the government.
