Amid outrage, Delhi University goes ahead with online open-book examination, releases datesheet

The University of Delhi on Friday had released the datasheet for online examinations for its final semester students. The open book examinations are scheduled to begin in the first week of July. This is amid a huge outcry amongst the teachers and students of the university, who opposed the idea of online examinations, owing to a large number of students not having access to necessary gadgets, study materials or a fast internet connection.

A recent survey by the Delhi University Teachers' Association had found out that 55 per cent of the students of the university did not have access to study material to appear for an open book examination. The survey also found out that most of the students did not have gadgets to appear for examinations online. "Over 90 per cent students (of the university) had voted against online examinations. DU chooses to ignore the alternatives suggested by several departments and DUTA," the association said in a statement.

The ABVP-led Delhi University Students' Union too condemned the university's decision. "We had previously submitted a memorandum to the university, asking it to make alternate arrangements for students who do not have access to gadgets or strong internet connection. We also asked for separate guidelines for the disabled students. The university, however, did not adhere to any of it," says Askhit Dahiya, DUSU President. "A delegation of student representatives will meet the administration soon to discuss this," he adds.

Various student organisations too, in the past, had protested online and open book examinations through Twitter storms and offline modes. The SFI activists, on Friday, staged a protest in front of the university's administration block, allegedly sticking to the physical distancing norms. AISA activists from 25 DU colleges too had called for a 'Protest from home' against the same on May 17.