Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jun 7: Following intense opposition from the student community, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) has cancelled end semester examinations for second, fourth and sixth semester BTech, and second semester MTech and MCA students that were scheduled to be held in July this year.

The college management also announced revised guidelines for online examinations amid concerns raised over software security.

MAHE deemed-to be-university had earlier decided to conduct online examinations for its students, but the student community largely opposed the decision of the management and requested them to postpone the exams as students in their native homes were facing several issues with regard to availability of laptops and uninterrupted internet connection.

MIT had decided to conduct exams using 'PEXA' software which was also opposed by the students as the software had several issues including a Trojan virus which allegedly resulted in several laptops crashing.

Taking cognisance of the complaints, Manipal Institute of Technology has now released an official announcement stating, "The end semester examinations scheduled for July 2020 (II/IV/VI semester BTech and II Semester MTech/MCA) stands cancelled".

The management has also decided to drop PEXA software and has shifted to Microsoft Teams.

"The second sessional test will be conducted using Microsoft Teams 1. The sessional test will start on June 10 instead of the earlier scheduled date, June 8. Students who are not able to write sessional tests due to valid reasons need to write to the HoD and associate director – academics (In the case of I year students). Retest for the students who missed the first and second sessional test will be conducted and the dates for the same will be announced," said an official statement by MIT.

NSUI Udupi unit had taken up the issue of students and had extensively tried to bring their problems to the notice of the management. Speaking to daijiworld, Christan Almeida, NSUI Udupi district president said, "NSUI Udupi welcomes the decision of MIT Manipal. Many students had contacted us with their grievances. The campaign regarding this originated on Twitter and other platforms in order to make necessary changes in conducting online examinations. Many students had also signed an online petition opposing online examinations and usage of PEXA software."

Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj had also requested the management to look into the matter. "I also thank Daijiworld Television for conducting the live debate," he said.

Daijiworld Udupi news bureau had taken up the issue based on the complaints received from students. Daijiworld 24x7 had also conducted television debates on the same.