The University Grants Commission (UGC) has authorized the reopening of colleges and universities. In a letter to the vice-chancellors of all universities, the commission said that in addition to allowing higher education institutions to reopen, the exams can also be taken in preferred mode, including online, offline and hybrid.
Due to the pandemic, the schools have been closed since March 2020. With Covid-19 cases on the decline, some states have allowed colleges to reopen with social distancing rules. Students have often followed the lectures on-off or have completely switched to the online medium of education.
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The committee has also ordered all colleges and universities to reopen in-person classes to follow the strict Covid-19 social distancing protocols and guidelines issued from time to time by the state and central government.
“Considering the situation of Covid-19 in their respective regions, the HEIs can open campuses, conduct classes and exams in online/offline/blended mode according to the appropriate Covid behavior and necessary protocols/guidelines/directions/advice that issued by the central/state government or competent authorities from time to time,” the official statement reads from UGC.
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Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in all states, Delhi University will also resume in-person classes from February 17. The varsity has also instructed outstation students to go through three-day isolation. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is also likely to reopen in phases soon. It will first be opened to PhD students. The university has instructed students to carry RTPCR reports along with valid ID when classes reopen. The University of Jammu has also announced that it will reopen its campuses to students from March 1. Some colleges such as SPPU, GGSIPU and Ambedkar University are yet to decide on the reopening of the university campus.
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