Final year, PG exams from August 16

Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service
Shimla July 10

Ending the uncertainty faced by students, the government today decided to start admissions in schools and colleges from July13 while examinations for graduation final year and postgraduate students will be held between August 16 and September 20.

No decision on BA II, BA I exams

No decision has been taken on holding the final examination of students who are pursuing BA-II and BA-I courses in various colleges across the state. The possibility of they being promoted on the basis of their past performance cannot be ruled out.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet at its meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. The impending decision was taken by the Cabinet after holding consultations with Secretary, Education, KK Panth, Vice-Chancellor, HP University, Sikander Kumar and the Director, Education. A presentation was made before the Cabinet by the Education Department on its ongoing functioning during the Covid -19 pandemic.

Even though there was a lot of apprehension about the holding of examinations in view of the rising Covid cases, it was decided to hold the graduation final year exams (arts, science, commerce) and postgraduate students from August 16. However, as of now no decision has been taken on holding the final examination of students who are pursuing BA-II and BA-I courses in various colleges across the state. The possibility of they being promoted on the basis of their past performance cannot be ruled out.

Sources said though admissions in schools and colleges would be held between July 13 and 25, regular classes would not be held in schools. The starting of the admissions process would end the uncertainty faced by students who have to join Class XI or first year in college.

“Teachers associated with the admission procedure and non-teaching staff will be called,” said an official. The students who get enrolled will be taught through online teaching till educational institutions open formally.

The other major decision taken today was about holding of the final examinations of BA (III) and postgraduate students. It has been decided to hold the examination between August 16 and September 30. Considering the importance of social distancing, it has been decided that students will be allowed to take the exams at the nearest examination centre, even if they are enrolled elsewhere.

Those students, who for some reason are unable to take the exams, will be given another chance if the reason is found to be genuine. Currently , all educational institutions, both government as well as private across the state are closed, with no decision on their reopening.