KEY STORY
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The Department of Pre-University Education is exploring the possibility of holding II PUC exams through online mode amid the second wave of the pandemic.
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Officials are working on the feasibility of conducting tests online after several stakeholders flooded the department with suggestions for the same.
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The department also received suggestions for slashing the duration of exams to 90 minutes, conducting exams only for major subjects and sticking to multiple-choice questions (MCQs). However, department sources said they are by and large considering holding exams via online mode.
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“Infrastructure is the major challenge to hold online examinations. But we can collaborate with engineering colleges and PU colleges that have ready infrastructure,” said an official.
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The department had successfully delivered online question papers during 2019 supplementary exams. “We have realised that it is not a big task,” the official said.
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In the meantime, teachers and students are also ready for online exams.
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Dr Supreeth B R, Secretary and principal of Oxford Independent PU college, Bengaluru, said, “Online mode of examination is 100% possible; only that the department has to keep separate portals ready for each subject.” He added that there is a software to “check malpractice”.
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Prof Ninge Gowda, president of Karnataka State Pre University College Teachers Association, said, “When we have managed classes online, examinations are no big deal.”
The way ahead
* Collaborate with colleges that have infrastructure to accommodate students
* Utilise services of faculties at degree and engg colleges to monitor students taking online exams from homes
* Create dedicated portal for each subject
* Provide only MCQs which will be easier during online mode
* Co-ordinate with network providers and electricity dept for uninterrupted supply
* Reduce exam duration to 90 minutes
