UoH to announce modified academic schedule after May 7

University of Hyderabad (UoH) will finalise modified academic calendar, including pending end-semester examinations and entrance exams for admitting new students to various programmes, after May 7 when the extended lockdown announced by the State government ends.

Taking note of the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines released Wednesday on Examinations and Academic Calendar in universities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the UoH pointed out that its own internal committees appointed for the purpose have prepared contingency plans that give priority to research students working in experimental laboratories and the graduating batch of master’s students.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the UoH said the plan is to stagger the return of students and complete semester work in phases. This will be done in a manner that is empathetic to the current situation of students, even while ensuring that there is no compromise on the high academic standards.

Earlier, considering uneven access to the internet and other problems raised by the students, the University said it had taken a decision not to insist on online classes and only provide online academic support where possible. The university had also advanced the annual summer vacation for faculty members, which will now last until May 21, it said.

The UoH had already taken a decision to extend the timelines for research students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. The last date for submission of applications for new admissions to all programmes has been extended to May 22. A technical sub-group of the UoH is also studying possibilities of conducting its nation-wide entrance examinations online this year.

The UoH has clarified that its attempt will be to align its contingency plans with the spirit of the UGC guidelines. A final decision will be taken keeping in mind the national as well as local contexts and the best interests of the students, it added.Hyderabad: Telangana State Council of Higher Education on Thursday extended the last date for payment of the fee for Common Entrance Tests (CETs) without late fee, up to May 15.