GU issues separate SOPs for online, offline exams

The candidates, who will opt for online examination, will have to write their answers on A4 size papers and mention the page number at the top right hand corner of every sheet. They will also have to clearly write their roll numbers, subject, paper code, etc. on the front page.

After writing the examination, the candidates will have to submit either photographs or scanned copies of the answer sheets in PDF format with the help of their respective login ids.

Before uploading, the PDF file will have to be renamed by mentioning the registration number and subject code.

The SOP also gave students the option to submit the answer sheets of online examination in a sealed envelope at the nearest college affiliated to Gauhati University within the stipulated time.

The SOP also clearly mentioned that the university will not be responsible for slow or poor internet connectivity. Notably, poor internet connectivity is a major issue in many parts of Assam, especially in rural areas, due to which a large section of students were deprived of online classes during the lockdown.

In case of offline mode of examination, the SOP says the invigilators would have to sanitize their hands prior to the distribution of question papers and answer sheets, and similarly the examinees will also have to sanitize their hands before receiving the question papers and while submitting them to the invigilators.

The SOP clearly stated that every step of collection and packing of the answer sheets will involve hand sanitization, and the answer sheets will preferably be opened for evaluation 72 hours after collection.

In every question paper there will be sufficient optional questions and a student will have to attempt only 50 per cent of the questions.

Moreover, respective colleges or academic departments can conduct the practical examination without external examiners.

The SOP also made it mandatory to maintain a distance of six feet between two students. For this purpose, the authorities concerned will have to make the seating arrangements in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained by utilising maximum space.

Again, use of face cover or mask and washing of hands with soap by the students, invigilators and support staff have also been made compulsory during examination. The SOP further asked to arrange alcohol-based hand sanitizer and safe drinking water in every examination centre and strictly prohibit spitting and sharing of personal belongings.

To avoid spread of COVID-19, every student will have to enter the examination hall before the examination starts in an orderly manner and on completion of the examination the candidates will be allowed to move out in the same way.

To address any health-related issue, every examination will have designated sick or isolation rooms. The SOP also offered the students the option to choose the examination centre in the nearest college as per their convenience.