In a COVID-stricken world, the impact of the virus has traversed every part of human life. Especially, in the international education sector, travel restrictions, delays, and fear have caused immense doubt and mental health issues among students, faculty members and higher educational institutions as well.
Among these issues, India recently faced one of the deadlier COVID-19 waves in the history of this pandemic, which has caused significant fear and delays. In West Bengal, Universities and Colleges have decided to hold the even-semester exams between July-end and August. This has brought up worries amongst foreign-bound Indian students who have aspired to study abroad.
Sources revealed that Calcutta University had scheduled its even semester exams between August 9 - 21, 2021. They added that students who had taken admission at universities abroad were now in a lurch since a few Universities have notified their students to arrive at the university before a specified deadline in August. With students also being required to quarantine at some of these universities and countries, the timeline does not bode well for aspiring students.
Several students have communicated their worries and challenges, however, authorities remain firm on following the guidelines stipulated by the UGC. Calcutta University authorities have suggested deferring studies by 6 months to foreign-bound students. Students have revealed that this has further caused more stress and worries.
Furthermore, sources have also revealed that a few international universities have asked students to pay compensation if they are unable to appear for the scheduled classes within the deadlines. A few students also raised the concern of attending online orientation programmes while attempting their final semester exams, due to the time-zone differences.
Sources from CU stated that they are ready for communicating with international universities requesting them to allow the students in joining late since the UGC rules can not be flouted.
Also Read: Centre Relaxes Gap Between Covishield Shots for Indian Students Going Abroad
Presidency University Registrar, Debajyoi Konar, stated that the necessary efforts are being taken in publishing the final semester results to aid those taking admissions in universities domestically and internationally. Sources reveal that Jadavpur University authorities have confirmed concluding the final semester exams by the end of July ‘21.
Stay tuned for further news and updates!
