New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) on how to conduct exams in the midst of COVID-19.
The UGC, which has mandated that all the 40 central varsities hold final year exams by September 30, said that a minimum distance of two meters should be maintained between candidates and invigilators should wear masks and gloves.
According to the SOP, students with cold, cough, fever or other symptoms of coronavirus should be given a chance to sit for their exam on another day or be made to sit in another room to write the paper, Hindustan Times reported.
In a letter to the 40 central varsities on Wednesday, the UGC said that the Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry had formulated the SOP and it was vetted by the Union Health Ministry.
The other measures under the SOP include:
Movement of Students
In areas where movement is restricted such as in containment zones, the students’ admit cards or identity cards could double as travel passes. States should issue instructions to ensure that invigilators are issued passes as well.
Self-Declaration Forms
Exam functionaries would have to submit a self-declaration form about their health status and thermo-gun checks should be made available at all entrances. In case any functionary fails the self-declaration criteria or the thermo-gun check, they should be asked to leave the exam centre immediately.
Signage on Social Distancing
There should be signs on social distancing on the campuses of exam centres. Everyone involved in the exam process should use the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones.
Disinfecting of Exam Centres
All floors, gates, walls, doors, furniture, elevators and even staircase railings in an examination centre would have to be disinfected. Sanitizers and liquid handwash dispensers would have to be placed at the entrance and other places in the exam centre.
Avoiding Crowds
Crowds must be avoided at entrance and exit points, the SOP said. It further stated that records of exam functionaries and students should be maintained in case contact tracing needed to be done in the future.
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