Amidst the pandemic, the government of Karnataka canceled intermediate-semester exams of students pursuing UG, PG, and diploma courses. However, the final year UG and PG students will appear for their exams in September.
Views of the Higher Education Minister: C.N. Ashwath Narayan
Dr. Ashwath Narayan said in a press conference covered by The Hindu that online learning introduced during the lockdown has received a good response.
“In addition, we were mulling to conduct offline classes and examinations too. But owing to an increase in the number of cases, we dropped the idea and decided to promote all intermediate semester students,” he said.
Why do Final year students have to appear for exams?
The University Grants Commission had stated that universities have to conduct exams for final semester students by September. Here’s the link.
The minister stated that the State government has taken this decision after consulting the vice-chancellors of universities keeping in mind the health concerns of students. Above all, many companies that will hire students will consider their assessment, and therefore final exams are essential. Regarding the examination schedule for final semester students, individual universities will have to take a call.
Comprehensive Evaluation Parameter
Since Karnataka cancelled intermediate-semester exams, it will promote students based on a comprehensive evaluation scheme with internal assessment marks and previous year’s/semester’s marks considered in a 50:50 ratio.
“But the evaluation will be completely based on internal assessment marks for first semester/year”, Dr. Narayan said. A provision would be made to appear for the examination in the coming semester if students would like to improve their scores. “Students failing the comprehensive evaluation will appear for re-examination during the next semester. Similarly, backlog subjects will be allowed to carry over”, he added.
For further updates, students may look upon the official website of Karnataka (Department of Collegiate Education).
