New Delhi: Final year degree examinations may be postponed until the end of September, but must be conducted in either online or offline mode, the University Grants Commission (UGC) decided on Monday. Students who are unable to appear for these exams will be given the opportunity to appear for special examinations which will be conducted later, according to an official statement.

The Home Ministry has also given its approval for the conduct of the examinations in a letter to the Ministry of Human Resources Development, and directed that final term exams must be “compulsorily conducted” as per UGC guidelines.

Final year students with backlogs must also be evaluated through online or offline examinations. The rules for intermediate semesters remain unchanged, meaning that either internal assessment or examinations may be conducted.

While noting the importance of health, safety and fair opportunity for students, UGC said it was “very crucial to ensure academic credibility, career opportunities and future progress of students globally.”