We are following routine exam calendar, move to help students: VC KU

Srinagar, Dec 18: Amid the complaints raised by faculty of the Government Degree Colleges about the scheduling of undergraduate (UG) exams in January, the authorities at the Kashmir University stated that they were following the routine examination calendar.

This correspondent received complaints from faculty members of the colleges that the Kashmir University has scheduled UG exams in January when the colleges will be on vacation.

"Can Kashmir University authorities please tell us why they have scheduled examinations during winter vacations. If Kashmir University (KU) teachers can enjoy vacations, are college faculty members children of lesser God? Winter vacation is a matter of right not any favour upon teachers," a group of college teachers complained to Greater Kashmir.

The College teachers said the KU has scheduled UG 3rd and 5th semester exams in January while the Higher Education Department (HED) has already notified in its academic calendar that the colleges will observe winter vacation from December 27.

The Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU), Prof. Nilofer Khan said it was not for the first time that exams were being held for a few days in winter. "During my time it was the same as it is aimed for the benefit of students so that their degrees are completed on time," she said.

While the college teachers oppose the conduct of exams in winter vacation, it has come to fore that the KU's examination department has notified the date sheet on October 10 of 2024 while the HED notified its academic calendar in the second week of December.

"The date sheet has been already notified and no students complained about it because they want to finish their exams before reopening of colleges post winter vacations," a University official said.

As per the date sheet, the last paper of the UG 3rd semester is scheduled on January 9 of 2025 while the last paper of UG 5th semester, the last paper is scheduled on January 6 of 2025.

"The KU date sheet is not consuming the whole vacation period or complete January month but the exam will be over by January 9," the official said.

The KU official said the exam has been scheduled to ensure that the degrees of students get completed within the stipulated time.

"The first NEP batch was enrolled in 2022 and they will complete two and a half years in December this year and their 5th semester exam has been scheduled in December this year," the KU official said.

The KU official said that the matter was discussed with some college principals who are also in favour of holding exams as per the scheduled dates.