Islamabad: Pakistan’s federal minister for education Shafqat Mahmood on Monday asked universities to consult with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and see if it was possible to hold online exams this year given the “special circumstances” of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hundreds of Pakistani university students have rallied across the country in recent days, demanding they be allowed to write their exams online instead of being forced to take them in person in examination halls.
Students say they attended online classes throughout the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to be examined under virtual conditions also.
“Some university students are demanding that their exams should be online as they have been studying online. This is a decision for the universities to make but I have asked HEC to consult VCs [vice chancellors] and see if it is possible given special circumstances this year,” the education minister tweeted.
Some university students are demanding that their exams should be online as they have been studying online. This is a decision for the universities to make but I have asked HEC to consult VCs and see if it is possible given special circumstances this year. 1/2
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 25, 2021
He added: “Universities should also assess whether they have the technical ability to conduct exams for ALL students. No one can be left behind. It is also necessary to ensure that online exam system is not misused to get easy grades.”
2/2 Universities should also asses whether they have the technical ability to conduct exam for ALL students. No one can be left behind. It is also necessary to ensure that online exam system is not misused to get easy grades. Preparing good question papers/ assessment is imp
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) January 25, 2021
High schools across Pakistan resumed classes on January 18, part of a phased reopening of schools and universities as the country battles a second wave of the coronavirus.
The federal and provincial education and health ministers had announced last year that grades 9 to 12 would return to school from January 18 while grades 1 to 8, and university students, would resume classes from February 1.
Pakistan has reported 535,914 COVID-19 cases so far, and 11,376 deaths.