Universities likely to start Odd-semester for 2020-21 academic year from 18th November, Get Details Here

According to media reports, the odd semester for the 2020-21 academic year for the undergraduate and postgraduate students is expected to commence from November 18, 2020, in case the situation is under control. The beginning of the odd semester is as per the plan of the University Grants Commissions made during the emergent meeting conducted on September 21, 2020. 

As per this, the institutions have been permitted to complete the admission process by October 31, 2020, and commence the classes from November 1, 2020. 

If there is a delay in the declaration of the results for the qualifying examinations the universities have been permitted to begin the academic year from November 18, 2020. The UGC has also directed the universities to follow a 6 day a week pattern for the 2020-21 and the  2021-22 academic session in order to compensate for the loss of classes the students have faced due to the lockdown. The institutions have also been asked to continue the teaching-learning process in the online/offline or in the blended model.

Refund of admission fee

With an aim to help the parents facing financial difficulties due to the lockdown the UGC has directed that a full refund of the fee must be given if the admissions are cancelled or the students have migrated for the semester as a special case. The guidelines issued have also mentioned that there will be zero cancellation charges up to November 30, 2020. According to the guideline for the cancellation or withdrawal of the admissions after the colleges may deduct not more than Rs. 1000 as a process fee.

With respect to compensating for the delay in the start of the academic session, the UGC has directed the universities to refrain from breaks or vacations so that the students get their final results or award of degrees on time. The UGC has emphasized that the guidelines issued on April 29, 2020, and July 6, 2020, highlight the mode of teaching, the conduct of exams, the importance of physical and social distancing which are to be maintained at all times. 

Academic Calendar

According to the academic calendar released, the odd semester exams will be conducted between March 8 and March 26, 2021. The classes for the even semester will begin from April 5, 2021, and the even semester exams will be conducted from August 9 to 21, 2021. The semester break will be from August 22 to 29, 2021 and the odd semester session for the 2021-22 academic year will commence from August 30, 2020. 

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