The University Grants Commission (UGC) on July 30 informed the Supreme Court that it will let universities conduct “special exams” for students who would not be able to appear for the term-end examinations in September.
Several states, including Maharashtra and Delhi, had opposed UGC's mandate that final year and final semester exams be held by September-end.
They had even issued directives stating that state-run universities will not hold term-end exams as it may pose a risk to the well-being of students.
However, UGC said a decision to cancel exams for under-graduate/post-graduate students and confer them with degrees without appearing for the final year exams "is plainly contrary to the UGC guidelines".
According to a report in The Indian Express, UGC told the Supreme Court that "all universities or institutions are obligated to conduct a terminal semester or final year exam by the end of September 2020".
However, the education body added a caveat saying special examinations can be held whenever feasible for students who fail to appear for the term-end exams in September.
The UGC statement came in response to a petition filed in the apex court by some students, including one COVID-positive student, opposing the decision to make term-end exams compulsory.
The students had demanded that these exams be cancelled, stating it is in violation of Right to Life.