Amidst growing rumours regarding conduction of university examinations during the pandemic, the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday debunked those and released a notification that it has not issued any examination related guideline.

“In view of the news circulating in print and digital media, it is clarified that UGC has not yet issued any guidelines on examination recently and the news is incorrect,” the commission released an official notification.

“It has come to the commission’s notice that incorrect news regarding UGC guidelines on examination has been published in some print and digital media. UGC had issued guidelines on examination and academic calendar from time to time during last year. Further, UGC notification issued on May 6 has requested the universities to keep the offline exams in abeyance during the month of May 2021,” the official notice read.

In view of the ongoing pandemic, the commission on Monday directed all the higher education institutes (HEIs) to make a COVID task force and help students and teachers who are in need. The universities have been asked to maintain hygiene and Covid appropriate protocols, including proper sanitization, wearing masks, washing hands with soap water and maintaining physical distance. The Commission further added that any new guideline or notification will be communicated through their official website or official social media handles.

The pandemic has put the teachers and students in difficulty and they are confused regarding their semester examinations. Many students also want the examinations to be cancelled due to the volatile situation.

Earlier, UGC had directed all HEIs to not schedule any physical exams in May 2021 to avoid gathering at the campuses and provide relief to the students and teachers. They have also asked HEIs to evaluate the local conditions before holding online examinations.

One approved by UGC, the institutes can conduct online examinations, stated the Commission.

Also read: UGC asks universities not to conduct offline exams in May