Srinagar: The 1st-semester students of Institute of Technology (IOT), University of Kashmir on Saturday expressed anguish over the varsity’s decision to conduct online examination amid the COVID19 lockdown.
Aggrieved Bachelor of Technology students told news agency KINS that they are “forced” to appear in online exams despite having not read or covered the required syllabus due to COVID19 lockdown.
“The authorities at IOT are showing no respect to the guidelines. We are forced to appear in online external examinations. This dictate is a cause of our mental agony and distress,” said aggrieved students.
They added that they have been asked to appear in online exams on 15 June, this year and in viva subsequently.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, most of the Universities across the country have announced to promote students to the next semester without having to appear for exams 2020.
Kashmir University had also decided to promote undergraduate students on the basis of internal evaluation to be done by the colleges. KU had taken the decision in a meeting convened by Dean College Development Council, KU with College Principals and Director Colleges J&K.
However, the B.Tech students said that “authorities at IOT are floating all norms and are issuing dictates to helpless students.”
Meanwhile students in a text message to KINS said, “ As everyone is aware of the trauma that Kashmiris have undergone post-August 5 and with pandemic adding more to the miseries, the academics has already suffered through one way or the other. Be it the turmoil or reduced low speed data, we have been victimised. Our main campus has promoted both UG and PG students on the basis of internal assessment but unlike main campus and other varsities we have been rendered helpless and are being harassed”.
“Our department is stubborn for conducting exams in the form of MCQ’s and Viva which is completely impossible for us in such traumatic situation with 2G internet facility. In addition to all this when students try to reach higher authorities they are being harassed”.
Students further alleged, “When we contacted a senior official of Zakura Campus to address the matter he issued threats and warned of serious and strict action. Our careers are being put at stake. We request that our Viva and MCQ exam be cancelled”
When KINS contacted Dean School of engineering university of Kashmir, Syed Muzafar Andrabi, he said that external online exams are held to make assessment of students’ performance. “It is the merit achieved in this exam that would determine how many marks could be awarded to the student while promoting him to next semester,” he said.
He added that students don’t need to come to the examination centre but will be provided question papers via virtual mode at their respective homes. “They have to submit answer sheets back through via virtual mode too,” he said.
He said that the authorities understand the present circumstances and that every decision is being taken for the benefit of the students. “I appeal to students not to make any issue out of it but rather concentrate on their studies,” he said.
Syed Muzafar Andrabi denied the allegations that any student has been threatened by the authorities. (KINS)