Gauhati University refutes allegation on examination form fill-up, terms claims baseless and misleading

 
Guwahati  December 5: Gauhati University on Friday refuted and termed as baseless the allegation that examination form fill-up was opened a day before examinations. The University clarified that the form fill-up window was not opened the day before, but had remained open to ensure that no student was placed at any disadvantage. The University emphasised that the decision was taken in a student-centric manner to accommodate those who, due to genuine constraints, could not complete the process within the stipulated timeline.

Gauhati University conducts more than 250 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across semesters, covering both regular and arrear batches. Scheduling examinations for all programmes within a month is a complex academic and administrative task. Despite these challenges, the University diligently prepared the examination calendar to compress the schedule from 45 days to 30 days, balancing the larger interest of students with operational exigencies.

The University clarified that while examinations are indispensable in the teaching-learning-evaluation process, it would be incorrect to conclude that examinations are the sole end objective under NEP-2020. The new framework under NEP emphasises holistic learning, with a focus on adequate contact hours, flexibility of choices in curriculum, and academic depth through a wider range of credit-based courses. Students are encouraged to exercise flexibility while opting for common courses, gain initial exposure through classroom auditing, understand course scope, and then make informed selections during registration.

It was also noted that with the implementation of NEP-2020, the number of examinable courses has nearly doubled, with the addition of AEC, VAC, MDC and SEC modules. As a result, the volume and duration of examinations have increased significantly, requiring a more compressed yet structurally efficient schedule.

In view of these factors, the University stated that the decision to modify the examination schedule was taken collectively after due consultation with stakeholders across the University and affiliated colleges, keeping in mind the larger academic interest and well-being of the student community. The aim was to provide adequate academic support and ensure sufficient contact hours for effective learning without compromising on evaluation standards.

Prof. Utpal Sarma, Registrar, Gauhati University, said: “We strongly deny the allegation and reiterate that Gauhati University functioned in the most transparent and student-friendly manner. The examination window was kept open not due to any lapse, but as an intentional step to ensure no student is left behind. Under the NEP framework, our objective is to reinforce holistic learning with adequate teaching hours and a structured evaluation process. We request all affiliated colleges to complete registration and examination approvals within notified timelines so that results can be declared on schedule in the interest of our students.”

The University has urged all principals of affiliated colleges to complete admission, registration, and examination approval processes within the prescribed deadlines to ensure timely conduct of examinations and declaration of results.