Earlier this month, Shafqat Mahmood declared to open universites on Feb 1st. Students have been protesting for online exams ever since. The students demand that either universities take online exam or postpone the finals. These include students of Islamabad’s National University of Modern Languages, and Multan’s NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology. They have been protesting against varsities’ decision of taking exams for the Fall semester 2020-2021 in person.
On this, Shafqat Mahmood takes a notice and points out that the varsities should assess if they have the technical ability to conduct exams for students from all departments. In addition, he says that the decision regarding examinations lies under the domain of the universities.
Some university students are demanding that their exams should be online as they have been studying online. This is a decision for the universities to make but I have asked HEC to consult VCs and see if it is possible given special circumstances this year. 1/2
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 25, 2021
2/2 Universities should also asses whether they have the technical ability to conduct exam for ALL students. No one can be left behind. It is also necessary to ensure that online exam system is not misused to get easy grades. Preparing good question papers/ assessment is imp
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 25, 2021
As a result Shafqat Mahmood says that he has instructed HEC to consult with the vice-chancellors of varsities over the matter of online examinations.
He also added that it necessary to ensure that students do not misuse the online exam system. Just to get good grades students are demanding online exams. As a result, preparing good question papers and assessments is important too.