Chairman of The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) Tariq Banuri has directed universities to start online classes for students and complete course work of the current semesters. HEC has also directed universities to conduct examinations soon.

As per details, while chairing a meeting Chairman HEC decided that educational institutions would remain closed till July 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic and all universities will start online classes from June 1. The meeting also decided that in case the lockdown is not lifted, varsities will conduct online examinations, for which guidelines have been issued.

“Examinations and assessments are an integral part of the teaching process. Attempts to eliminate exams will have severe repercussions for education quality and student achievement”, he said . Moreover, Universities will start the new semester by September 15 and new admissions will be based on matriculation and first year results.

The HEC directed to formulate a strategy to conduct quizzes, assignments and tests from the students.

Its is pertinent to mention that Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood had announced the cancellation of all board exams across the country following the spread of Coronavirus outbreak. Shafqat Mehmood said that all the provinces have decided to remain the schools closed till July 15.

“All board exams have been cancelled and students of class 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be promoted for the next class on the basis of results obtained in the previous class,” he added. A student can get admission in a university on the basis of his 11th class result, he said. Shafqat Mehmood added that the decision has been taken on the consensus of all provinces and added that students will be able to enroll in the next class as soon as the school reopens in July.