JNU students, admin spar over online exams

nNEW DELHI: While officials of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Wednesday said they would allow students to pick their preferred exam mode — online or offline — to complete the semester that has stretched over by three months due to the pandemic, several students alleged the administration was trying to “push” for online exams.

Students said there was a lot of confusion with some schools and centres opting for the online mode while others are yet to take a call on it. In April, only five of the 13 schools in JNU and one of the five special centres had decided to conduct examinations online. However, two of the largest schools in JNU — the schools of Social Sciences and International Studies — have now decided to shift exams online .

According to the JNU administration, around five schools, including School of Computer and System Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Management and Entrepreneurship, have already completed their exams online.

JNUSU vice-president Saket Moon said, “The administration should issue a notification clarifying that the exams will be held again for those who were unable to appear for the online tests. There is so much confusion even within schools now -- some are conducting online exams while some are not,” he said.

JNU registrar Pramod Kumar said, “The university will give another chance to those unable to take online exams. It’s important to conduct online exams to complete the semester for those who immediately need degrees for higher education or jobs.”