The examination woes of the University of Mumbai refuse to go away as despite extensive efforts from the university to make the examination process smooth and hassle free, minor hiccups push it back i
The examination woes of the University of Mumbai refuse to go away as despite extensive efforts from the university to make the examination process smooth and hassle free, minor hiccups push it back into disrepute. According to a former senate member of the university, thousands of students appearing for the PhD entrance test (PET) at two centres in South Mumai and Thane on Sunday had to wait for 30-45 minutes and got the question paper later than the stipulated start time of 2 pm, thus putting them under tremendous stress and anxiety.
However, the university said that it was not to be blamed as the delay was on the part of the centres concerned and added it would inquire into it.
Speaking about the problem faced by students, former senate member from MNVS Sudhakar Tamboli said it was unfortunate that the university kept on repeating its mistakes due to which students had to suffer. “Examinees at two centres in South Mumbai and Thane did not get the question papers on time and had to wait for 30 minutes or more. This happened as the university dispatched the question papers late,” said Mr Tamboli.
The university was conducting the PET at seven centers across the city for 77 subjects, which included arts, science, commerce, law and technology. In all around 2,660 students were appearing for the exam and the papers were delayed at two centres. Mr Tamboli alleged that had the university planned properly and learnt from its previous mistakes, such a situation would not have arisen.
“The university seldom takes any action after such incidents, as a result of which they get repeated. During the last PET students were unaware of their centres till the previous evening. While that problem did not occur this time around, a new problem cropped up. The university needs to have a professional approach to ensure the smooth conduct of such and other exams,” said Mr Tamboli.
Deepak Wasave, in-charge controller of examination clarified that while there was delay in distribution of the question papers and that the chief exam conductor at the centre was asked to extend the time to compensate the time lost by the students. “The university had sent the question papers of the 77 subjects through the electronic delivery system at 11 am at all centres. As some question papers run into more than 50 pages there could have been a delay in taking printouts. Though the exams went off smoothly at most centres we are inquiring into the delay and will ask the concerned centre for an explanation. The university is not to be blamed for it,” said Mr Wasave.
