Cancel pending exams, adopt assignment based evaluation: LL.B. students from Delhi University Faculty of Law write to BCI, expert committee

Final-year LL.B. students of the Faculty of Law, Delhi University have written to the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the expert committee set up on Wednesday calling for cancellation of pending intermediate exams..The letter, signed by over 300 students, seeks a direction to the University to conduct Assignment Based Evaluation (ABE) instead. It is pointed out that the same has been adopted by several other law universities in India including National Law University, Delhi and Jindal Global Law School..The students describe the tumultuous experience they are going through as a result of the pandemic.“Needless to say, there is hardly any person who has not been drained of physical, mental, emotional and financial resources. The plight of those who have lost their loved ones is altogether unimaginable. There are several people of our age group who are doing their best to take care of ailing relatives, parents, friends and/or are giving their best to assist in Covid relief work,” the letter states..The first waveDuring the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, intermediate semester exams that were meant to be conducted in May 2020 for the current final-year students were cancelled as a result of University Grants Commission’s (UGC) guidelines directing students from intermediate semesters to be promoted on the basis of internal assessment and previous performances..Press Release by Bar Council of India.The BCI issued a press release in June 2020 stating that exams are to be conducted for students so promoted on reopening of colleges. The press release was later modified and exams for intermediate semesters were allowed to be conducted via online or offline modes..Decision by the Karnataka High CourtIn February this year, in Ritvik Balanagraj v. BCI & Ors, the Karnataka High Court quashed the decision of the BCI and Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) to hold physical exams for the five-year LL.B. course as being violative of the UGC guidelines..Announcement of ExaminationsIn the end of March 2021, the Faculty of Law announced that both final semester exams and pending intermediate semester exams would be conducted within a period of one and a half months. Due to the devastating impact of the second wave of COVID-19 shortly after the announcement, the exams were rescheduled to the months of June-July..Sluggish action by the UniversityThe students have pointed out that the University provided no clarity with respect to examinations for the intermediate semester throughout the year despite several developments, and delayed taking a decision till the eleventh hour..Lack of effective teachingAs per the letter, online classes for the intermediate semester were not conducted in an adequate manner, since it was a new concept at the time. As a result, portions of the syllabus were not covered, and no subsequent remedial classes were held..Extension of the current academic programmeThe students lack faith in the University’s capability to declare results in good time, citing the fact that for exams previously held in December 2020, results were declared in April 2021. They believe that a further delay in completing their academic programme will prove to be a challenge for those who intend to join post-graduate programmes immediately or need final results to accept provisional job offers..Impact of COVID-19The letter also highlights that several young students are engaged in care-taking activities for older and more vulnerable members of their families and communities. Further, taking a high-pressure exam in the span of three hours may prove to be physically challenging for those who have recently recovered from COVID-19, the students highlight..The letter is accompanied by a survey regarding the mode of examination students prefer. The survey reflected that almost 80% students marked preference for either receiving a promotion without examination or an ABE..The survey also provided an option for the students to share reasons for their choices. This section gathered several responses, with students describing harsh personal circumstances and requesting the University to respond with kindness and compassion..For the above mentioned reasons, the students have presented an argument for ABE. This may include an evaluation in the form of ‘take home exams’ which involves similar questions as a traditional examination, but can be attempted over a period of at least three days.They are confident that this can be conducted in an efficacious manner and will expedite the evaluation process..On June 3, the Delhi High Court issued notice in a petition by final-year students from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University seeking cancellation of fourth semester examinations mentioned herein. BCI assured the Court that a decision will be taken with respect to these examinations by the expert committee within a week..Delhi High Court issues notice in plea by Final Year Law Faculty students seeking cancellation of 4th semester exams.[Read the letter]