Conduct exams, award degrees to students on time, UGC tells institutions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the higher educational institutions to ensure the timely conduct of examinations and the prompt issuance of academic awards to students. The commission warned of punitive action in case of non-compliance with the rules and regulations.

The directive comes after UGC observed that certain institutions are not conducting exams on time or delaying the degrees and certificates of students. The commission noted that this delay causes loss of employment opportunities and hampers academic journey.

“It has come to the attention of the University Grants Commission (UGC) that certain Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are not conducting exams on time and/or delaying the issuance of degrees and final certificates to students. This delay causes a loss of opportunities for students as it prevents them from securing suitable and quality employment. It also hampers the students' further academic prospects,” the commission said.

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UGC pointed out the provisions of timely assessment and award of degrees. It referred to theClause 4.4 of the University Grants Commission (Grant of degrees and other awards by Universities) Regulations, 2008, which provides that "the Degree award date/s shall be within 180 days of the date/s by which the students are expected to qualify and become eligible for them".

Exams, results, degrees

Similarly, Clause 2.6 of the UGC Guidelines for Students' Entitlement, 2012, provides that "the students are entitled to timely conduct of examination and declaration of results as specified in the academic calendar in the Prospectus. They shall be entitled to the award of degree within 180 days of the declaration of results".

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Warning of action, the commission recalled that it had issued a notice on the same matter last year as well. “In this regard, all HEIs are, therefore, once again urged to comply with provisions of the said Regulations and Guidelines and ensure the timely administration of examinations and the prompt issuance of final academic awards to students,” UGC said.