The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on the fate of the University of Delhi's decision to conduct online Open Book Examinations. Earlier today, the division bench hearing a similar plea gave a nod to the university to conduct these examinations, provided it informs its students that they can submit the answer sheets through the university portal and via email.
Representing the university, Senior Advocate Sachin Datta said that students have the option of bypassing the portal altogether and that writing an OBE is optional. Earlier, the varsity had told the court that students who cannot attend OBEs can attend offline examinations. Even though the petitioners had asked for an assessment based on past performance, Datta noted that it was up to the UGC to decide. Apoorv Kurup who represented the UGC said that the matter is being considered by the Supreme Court.
"The argument seems to be that there should be no OBE. However, the idea behind the OBE was to prevent students from assembling in one hall," said Datta, adding that the division bench has okayed it. "This is the best methodology. It requires minimum technology. We will also conduct a physical examination soon after," he added. He also said that the university is going out of its way for the students, which is not being appreciated.
The university's Controller of Examinations Vinay Gupta noted that all the students have submitted their email IDs to the university.
He added that the question papers will be sent when the exam starts, in a bid to avoid malpractices.
