NU BA final exams from Oct 1, engg papers from Oct 5

Nagpur: Nagpur University has planned to start final year examinations with BA course from October 1, while engineering and other faculties’ papers would commence from October 5. The decision was taken in view of large number of subjects in arts faculty which would continue till October 18, the last day of exams. The timetable would be posted on the university website in a couple of days.
“We have decided to conduct papers where students’ strength is less. Therefore, some subjects in BA such as statistics are scheduled from October 1. The idea is if any technical snag takes place, fewer students will be affected. We would also come to know the kind of problems we would be facing,” Board of Examinations and Evaluation (BOEE) director Prafulla Sable told TOI.
Since this will be the first time both examining body and examinees are undergoing online multiple choice questions (MCQ) paper in NU for regular courses, the administration is treading cautiously. “We have kept papers of subjects where over 5,000 students would appear, in later phase from October 5, so we are in a better position to tackle problems,” the director said.
On Wednesday, NU conducted the demonstration of its software for teachers who will set the question paper and also for moderators, who will check those. The software is developed by Promarc, which is already working with NU for its examination and results. It was attended by vice-chancellor Subhash Chaudhari and chairmen of various Boards of Studies (BOS).
On Thursday, NU has scheduled online meetings for all its BOS and moderation committee members for familiarising them with software. Promarc’s representatives would give demonstrations.
“The participants would be trained on how to upload their questions directly into software and give options for answers. Moreover, they will also be taught on how to upload questions on mathematics equations, accounts and other subjects. They can log in only through their verified mobile numbers and OTP,” Sable said, adding that entire data would be in encrypted form and nobody can read it.
On Friday and Saturday, NU has organized meetings with the principals of colleges in Bhandara, Gondia, and Wardha, besides Nagpur city and rural areas, for training them in online MCQ exams. Promarc has been entrusted with the task of developing students’ app for exams, which will be launched by next week.
NU’s plan of action:
# Online meetings of BOS & Moderation panel members:
Faculty -------------------------------- ---------------------------Date --------------Timing
* Humanities/ Interdisciplinary/Commerce & mgt — Sept 10-----------1.30-3.30pm
* Science & Technology ------------------------------------- Sept 10 --------- 3.30-5.30pm
# Total Boards of studies (BOS):
* Humanities/ Interdisciplinary/Commerce & mgt — 46
* Science & Technology — 44
Total –------------- 90
# Online meetings of principals:
Place ----------------------------------- Date ---------------------Timing
* Bhandara, Gondia, Bhusawal – --Sept 11----------------- 1-3 pm
* Wardha ------------------------------- Sept 11 ----------------- 3-5 pm
* Nagpur city ------------------------- Sept 12 ----------------- 1-3 pm
* Nagpur rural ----------------------- Sept ----------------- 3-5 pm
(* All meetings to be held online on Cisco Webex App)