Pune University To Conduct Online-Offline Based Exams

Mehab Qureshi

Pune, September 10, 2020: After the Supreme Court ruled in favour of universities conducting the final exams, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) administration yesterday decided to conduct online-offline based examinations for final year students in the wake of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In this regard, option forms have been made available on the website of Pune University. Students have been instructed to fill the form according to their convenience. “We have given a choice to students to either participate in the examination using a laptop, computer, tablet and the students who have connectivity issues can appear for the exams offline”, said Mahesh Kakade, director of the Board of Examinations and Evaluations, SPPU.

He further said that the students can contact their college principal and examination officer/subject teacher if they have any query in this regard.

The deadline for filling alternative forms is on Sunday, September 13, 2020. However, the online proctored method has shown success in the entrance exams conducted by the SPPU. The online proctored method checks for any movements by accessing the webcam, microphone and location of the device and using artificial intelligence student is tracked during the examination, if there is any movement/malpractice the students can easily be caught.

Speaking to Punekarnews.in, a final year student of SPPU Aishwarya Dakhore said, “The decision seems very inconsiderate to me. The decision-makers are conveniently ignoring the fact that many university students from rural areas cannot afford easy internet connectivity or even travelling amid a pandemic. Online or offline, both exams will take a heavy toll on the underprivileged students’ careers. The university will fail them because they won’t be able to sit for exams, while the ones who can afford it will move ahead because of their privilege. Health risks apart, the decision potentially promotes inequality against the poor.”

Another final year student of SPPU, Chaitali Avadhani, said, “Yes, it’s the right decision to conduct the exams via online/offline. The decision was stalled for a long time. According to me, online would be a better option for all.”