85% DU students vote against open book exams

Eighty-five per cent of Delhi University students, who participated in a survey-cum-referendum conducted by the Delhi University Teachers' Association, have voted against the administration's decision of holding online open book exams.

The referendum, released by DUTA on May 3, got more than 51,000 responses in 48 hours, mostly from those enrolled in regular courses, the teachers' body said.

DUTA has been opposing the university's decision to hold online open book examinations (OBE).

In the survey, 38 per cent of students said they have not been able to access study material even if it has been provided to them. Nearly 50 per cent of the students said they have not received material and also cited inability to access it. According to the survey, only 28 percent of students have been able to attend more than 50 per cent of the online classes.

Many of the students said they left for home for mid-semester break, which included Holi and were caught unaware during the lockdown.

The students said that they do not have access to books, notes or e-resources. In the survey, 85 per cent of the students said they were not prepared for taking online open book exams.

Ninety per cent of the students said they are not prepared for any kind of exams at this juncture. A majority of students have said that they are unable to concentrate on their studies, either because of the environment at home or because of anxieties caused by livelihood or health issues.

DUTA has been saying that the OBE is a faulty method of examination as it discriminates against those without access to books, notes and online resources, encourages malpractice and penalises honest students. Further, it does not take care of the special needs of many students, especially the differently-abled ones.

The teachers' association demanded that the university explores alternatives, which do not disfavour a large section of students or promote dishonesty.