Patna University examinations likely to postpone after VC, professors, test COVID positive

Students’ union called for the postponement of exams and also demanded testing of all students and staff members who had come in close contact with the VC in the last three days.

Patna University (PU) is likely to postpone the third-year examinations scheduled from April 27 after the PU vice-chancellor Girish Kumar Chaudhary and three professors, including two from Magadh Mahila College and one from Patna Science College, tested COVID positive on April 10. The exams will be postponed for the safety of students living on the campus.

Patna University’s registrar, Colonel (retd) Manoj Mishra said, “We are considering postponing the final exam of third-year students by a week or 10 days. However, the decision has not been finalised yet.”

Amid rapidly rising number of COVID cases, including among the staff, the students were asked to fill examination forms online instead of visiting college campuses to deposit hard copies.

The students’ union called for the postponement of exams which also demanded testing of all students and staff members who had come in close contact with the VC in the last three days. “We also demand exam postponement considering the health safety of students,” said Nishant Kumar, vice president of Patna University Students’ Union.

While informing that the varsity is taking all COVID preventative measures, the registrar said, “We have asked staff with mild symptoms to go for COVID19 test. We are coordinating with the district administration for testing all staff. We have thoroughly sanitised the university campus. Security personnel are vigilant to ensure all entrants wear face masks and maintain social distancing.” He further added that the entry of general visitors has been already restricted and the working hours for professors and staff will be curtailed.

Recently, 22 students of the Indian Institute of Technology, Patna (IIT-P) also tested Covid-19 positive. Patliputra University and Nalanda Open University have also restricted the entry of students and guardians for routine work till April 18 in the wake of the rising pandemic situation.

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