The University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities and affiliated colleges on Thursday to postpone examinations till March-end due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The evaluation work will be suspended during the period too.

"All universities and affiliated colleges should postpone exams till March 31 and suspend evaluation work. Further schedule should be decided following a review of the situation," the commission said in an order.

UGC has also asked all educational institutions to "maintain regular communication with students and teachers through electronic means and keep them fully informed so that there is no anxiety amongst students, teachers and parents."

The number of positive cases of coronavirus has climbed to 170 in India. So far, three persons have died due to the infection in the country.