Less than two weeks before the much-discussed online exam for the 2020 summer batch begins, students are grappling with a new problem. While two circulars published by the University of Mumbai in the last ten days have mentioned the need for a comprehensive Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) bank for each group of universities, it does not mention whether this question bank should be shared with students who many leave confused and anxious.
“The minister of state for higher and technical education previously assured us that a question bank will be compiled for each subject and shared with students because MCQ papers are a new concept. But now, universities are sharing nothing and instead insist on doing mock tests only, ”said Siddharth Ingle, president of the Maharashtra Student Union (MASU).
Currently, universities have already started to work on developing an exam calendar and conducting mock tests so that their students understand the new concept.
“The university circular mentions the need for a comprehensive MCQ bank, but nowhere does it mention the need for universities to share the same with students. The mock tests have been made mandatory and we are working on it, ”said the director of a major suburban university. He added that students have been demanding a question bank for the past week and that everyone has been provided with the university circular to clarify the issue.
Most universities have already started work on creating quizzes for both the practice test and the final exams.
“Since the concept is new, the university and the state department of education have insisted on a practice test for students, which should help students understand the concept. Universities have not been asked to share question banks with students, ”said Sobhana Vasudevan, director of RA Podar College Matunga.
“Universities cannot share questions with students, and to facilitate the new exam format, the circular clarifies that sample or mock tests would be the key for all universities,” said Anju Kapoor, director of Usha Pravin Gandhi. College, Vile Parle. He added that all university professors are already working to ensure that students take a mock test before final exams begin on October 1.
While MU’s exam controller Vinod Patil could not be reached for official comment, a senior exam department official confirmed that universities do not have to share any questions with students.
According to the MU schedule, the practical exams for the repeat candidates will begin on September 15, while their theory exam will begin on September 25. Exams for new candidates will take place between October 1 and October 15, 2020.
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