By Benjamin Lyngdoh
Whether we agree or disagree, till date examinations are still the ‘gold standard’ which define a student as far as further studies and/or employment is concerned. As we grapple with the ‘new normal’ and its explicit and implicit impacts on our lives and livelihoods, the issue of examinations has now taken centre stage. The issue is not confined only to NEHU examinations covering post-graduation and under-graduation programmes. It is high time to start factoring in school examinations as well. This is because the end of the year is nearing; in addition, board examinations are a major concern. But alas, the society is divided on the issue. On one hand, we have the pro-examination party and on the other, there is major opposition to it too. As such, the issue has purely come down to advancing arguments for or against examinations. Of course, debate and dissension on the matter is welcome and required too; however, we must not be blind to the ground realities that holding examinations is the most appropriate way forward. It is a win-win situation for all. This is clearly comprehensible as we rope in the facts of the subject-matter.
At the outset, not holding of examinations by NEHU is not an option at all. This is because when we consider the national direction of things, there are a number of universities/institutes in India which have already completed their examinations. In addition, they did it amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, when we make comparisons, the obvious challenge is ‘if you can do it, then so can we’. However, the crux of the argument is not about comparing with others. It is neither about being paranoid ‘of not caring for the interest of students’. In truth, it is about finding the most effective way out of this conundrum. This starts with the realization that we cannot backlog examinations into the near future as this will result in an unimaginable chaos. The burden will be too much for the teacher and student combined. As of today, procrastination is something that everyone has to guard against. Hence, the most logical thing to do is to plan, strategize and move on. For all that we know, this pandemic may continue well into the year 2021. So, what then? Do we keep on procrastinating? Well, let us nip the problem in the bud!
Similarly, apart from the unilateral argument for holding examinations; if the recent rulings of the Supreme Court are anything to go by, examinations are a must! The Court is absolutely clear on this subject-matter. A pandemic must not be allowed to derail our normal academic functions. Indeed, the function ranges from the challenges of executing online and/or blended mode classes to the holding of examinations. However, these challenges and limitations are to be managed through the recourses available. It is about getting it done by any means possible. Importantly, this is true across all levels of education (from schools to higher studies). Although the observations might seem insensitive to many; the truth is that there are legitimate reasons for such. One of those reasons, being the need for life to go on while keeping into mind the importance of every academic year for a student. For any student, the prospect of losing an academic year can prove to be extremely costly. After all, careers are shaped in a year! By and by, as we register all these pointers the continuation of NEET and JEE examinations as per schedule does make total sense.
Coming back to NEHU examinations, it is a case of better late than never. The willingness and ability of the university to hold examinations (both UG and PG) has become a major talking point across many circles. That is fair enough. After all, the future of thousands of students is hanging in the balance. As of today, many are breathing a sigh of relief that finally a clear direction is visible and is laid down as far as completion of classes and examinations are concerned. On hindsight, many do believe that had the university acted a bit earlier we could have completed the examinations this September itself. Be that as it may, we have to factor that these are not normal times and any academic decision will have to take all stakeholders into confidence with the all-important final say from the state government. Now that the examinations are scheduled for October, there is a need for all colleges (be it in the urban or rural areas) to come together and hold the exercise successfully. Yes, challenges and limitations will be there; however, the offline option for holding examination (as and when conducive) will go a long way in reducing anxiety for the teacher-student combined.
As we move towards October, the loopholes and shortcomings of the online/blended mode of examinations will become more apparent. Hence, it will not be surprising to find people and pressure groups speaking up against it. However, before they do so it is urged that they factor the direction that the country is taking as far as examinations is concerned. The point to be noted here is that our students’ cannot be left at a disadvantaged position. If examinations are not held, our students will be left behind in the national scheme of things. This is significant as the university grants commission (UGC) has made it ample clear that without final examinations the academic degrees’ will not be recognised. Moreover, in a situation where other universities in the country are moving ahead with their academic pursuits, NEHU must not act in a manner that would be detrimental to the interest of its students. In any case, as per observations and discussions, many students are ready to move on with examinations barring a few. These few are the ones who are not willing to take their academic pursuits seriously.
In conclusion, as we harp upon students taking the online-blended mode examination, it is only natural that society is asking questions as to its authenticity. No doubt, it is a tenable discussion. Concurrently, eyebrows are being raised as to its validity and value. Many are pointing that it is not exactly an online mode examination; rather, it is an online-blended mode whereby it resembles more of an open-book examination. Yes, that is true! In fact, candidly it can be stated that it would be an ‘online-blended open-book examination mode’. As frivolous as it might seem, it must be noted that something is better than nothing. At least, a mode of evaluation is there. Moreover, open-book examinations do have their own value in terms of evaluating knowledge. In addition, it is also widely used in academic circles now-a-days. After all, these are extraordinary times which call for extraordinary measures. Naturally, such measures cannot match the practices of normal times. In the end, all the options available on the table are ‘bad options’. Alas, it is all about choosing the ‘best bad option’!
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