UGC tells Supreme Court that it stands by its decision to conduct final exams by 30 September

July 30: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday stood by its direction to universities and institutions to conduct final-year exams by September-end. In an affidavit filed in the top court, the UGC said that the decision was taken “after due deliberation by taking into account and balancing all relevant factors”. The UGC said its circular was issued to “protect the academic future of students” while keeping in mind their “health and safety”. The affidavit has been filed in response to petitions challenging the UGC’s July 6 circular for allegedly being arbitrary as it mandated conducting examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UGC also said that the guidelines “have to be adopted and applied by all Universities/ institutions in the country (including State Universities)”. The UGC said “sufficient time” had been given to conduct the examinations, with universities being given sufficient flexibility to conduct examinations via online, offline or hybrid modes.

A Bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, which had earlier asked the UGC to spell out its stand on petitions filed by students from across India, will take up the matter for hearing on Friday. The UGC has also informed the Supreme Court that it has allowed universities to conduct “special exams when feasible” for students who cannot appear for the term-end exams in September.

A group of students, including one COVID-affected student, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the directives of the SC. The students had demanded cancellation of final exams as they claimed it to be against the “right to life”. In the last hearing, the SC had asked UGC to give a response.