COVID19: Universities mull combined exams for different semesters after situation eases out

Srinagar, April 20: Universities are mulling to hold combined examination for different semesters once the situation eases out in a bid to save the career of students in the Kashmir valley.

Kashmir University, Central University, and Cluster University have started teaching next semester through online applications while keeping exams on hold. Varsities are mulling to club two semesters and hold combined exams once the situation eases out.

“Semester first is about to be completed. We have given direction to our faculty to start the curriculum of next semester. We are helping students to complete their syllabus by holding online classes and distributing notes,” Dean Academic Affairs, Kashmir University, Professor Akbar Masudi said,

Professor Masudi said conducting end semester exams is not possible at this juncture.  “Our main focus is to continue classes and complete their syllabus. UGC has formed a committee and we will see what directives they will issue,” he said.

One of the professors of KU wishing anonymity claimed that varsity is forcing them to conduct online classes which are not possible given the low-speed 2G. “Only 40 professors living in university accommodation have access to a high-speed internet connection. 300 faculty members are living in far-flung areas where connectivity is not so good. It is difficult for us,” he said.

Similarly, the Central University of Kashmir has also completed the previous semester and is now teaching next semester’s curriculum.

Registrar Central University Professor Fayaz Ahmad Nikkah said they have already started teaching next semester. “Students are provided with study material. We are also holding online classes through Skype, Zoom, and Google. The examination has been kept on hold. We will decide about clubbing exams,” he said.

Likewise, Cluster University is also mulling to hold combined exams after the situation eases out.

“We have started next semester keeping exams on hold because the situation is not conducive. We will decide whether to conduct combined exams when the situation eases out,” Vice Chancellor Cluster University, Dr. Sheikh Javaid told The Kashmir Monitor.

However, he said that low internet speed is the biggest obstacle in conducting online classes. “Our faculty are facing inconvenience in conducting classes on 2G. Many times video is paused and students miss that part of the lecture,” he added.