Bhubaneswar: The State Government on Saturday planned to conduct the Annual Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) examinations this year.
This was discussed in detail during the meeting of all Vice Chancellors with Higher Education Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo held today on a virtual platform.
“During the meeting, it was almost decided to hold the UG and PG examination in the State. Everyone is in support of conducting the exams. However, the final decision will be taken at another such meeting to be held on 18 June,” Minister told reporters after the meeting.
The VCs have been asked to take feedback from principals, faculty members, students and other stakeholders especially in the rural areas, he said.
“Last year, many states had announced cancellation of the examinations in view of COVID-19 pandemic but we did not. Later, the Supreme Court’s direction came on the conduct of the exams. This year too, the exams are very likely to be held,” said the Minister.
Moreover, the lockdown was enforced in March last year while this time the lockdown was enforced in Odisha in May. At present, online classes are being conducted in the State. The Vice-Chancellors have informed that despite the delay, all courses are likely to be completed by June, Minister stated.
The academic session has been badly affected due to the prevailing second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. If the examinations will be held, it is most likely to be conducted on online mode, sources said.
Though online teaching is continuing, most of the students in rural areas are unable to get the benefits of such online teaching due to various reasons. How the students of the remote pockets will appear on the exams, questioned a local education expert.