IIT-B to close sem; give grades based on previous exams

The Indian Institute of Technology-bombay (IIT-B), has decided to close its spring semester — the exams for which have been pending — without requiring students to return to campus.

Final grading of students for all years, in theory and lab courses, will be based on marks obtained in exams already completed during the semester.

In a senate meeting held on Monday, the institute resolved that final grading will be done on students’ performance in already-conducted examinations, including mid-semester exams. Teachers may choose to conduct an additional online test for a maximum weightage of 20%, provided all students can take the online test.

The decision was taken keeping in mind that amid the Covid-19 outbreak and the lockdown, students may not be able to return to campus any time soon.

“We have resolved the issue of closure of the semester and issued the minutes of the senate meeting to students,” said director Subhasis Chaudhari.

Students who are not satisfied with their performance in previous examinations will have a chance to improve their grades by opting for an ‘S’ grade. Exams will be conducted for these courses for 100 marks, later.

The senate also acknowledged that when classes reopen for the next semester, hostels and other facilities on campus have to be made ready to handle “unexpected situations”. A committee has been appointed to look into the matter.