Nagpur: Confusion and resentment erupted among BTech students after Nagpur University scheduled second semester and fifth semester examinations on the same day and at the same time, forcing several backlog students to skip one of them. On June 8, the second semester (CBCS) engineering exam for all branches and fifth semester (CBCS) for all branches were scheduled at 9:30 am.
Students Caught in Examination Crossfire
According to affected students, many had backlog subjects from the second semester but were permitted to apply for fifth-semester examinations as well. Students alleged that the university accepted examination forms, collected fees for both semesters, and issued hall tickets, leading them to believe they were eligible to appear for both. However, university examination officials maintained that as per ATKT rules, students carrying second semester backlogs are not eligible to appear for fifth semester examinations.
University's Last-Minute Solution
Yet, when the exam centres contacted the NU exam officials on the day of the exam, the students were asked to submit a written application seeking a re-exam for the fifth semester paper. "They have assured us that a re-exam will be held. Many of us submitted the application along. I had paid Rs 365 per subject. I couldn't clear my earlier papers due to medical reasons. I was hoping to clear all backlog exams but needed a little support from the university. The least the NU could have done was to hold the exams in different time slots," a BTech student said.
Another student said this year many backlog exams are being held on the same day. "Many of us are appearing for exams in the morning as well as afternoon," he said.
Academicians Demand Accountability
Academician Anand Sah said the university must refund the exam fee if it can't schedule exams in different slots. "It must have technology to ensure forms of ineligible students are not accepted. The university shouldn't give hope to students only to shatter it at the last moment," he said.
University Officials Admit System Flaws
Exam section officials admitted that it doesn't have a system to cross-check if a failed student is applying for two semesters at the same time. "We told the students to focus on clearing initial semesters first. We had little time as winter results were declared late. So, forms for summer exams were accepted without the mandatory previous exam's marksheets. This led to confusion. We shall see what can be done," they said.
The incident has raised questions about the university's examination management and the need for a robust system to prevent such clashes in the future.
