The shift to online mode for viva-voce examinations was approved by the UGC in April 2020 in view of the pandemic and lockdown. Source: Shutterstock
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher education institutions to consider conducting viva-voce examinations for PhD and MPhil students through video conferencing.
The institutions may use Google, Skype, Microsoft Technologies or any other reliable and mutually convenient technology, the UGC has said in a circular dated May 5, 2022. The latest circular is addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities and principals or directors of colleges and institutes.
While conducting viva-voce examination through video conferencing, the institutions must ensure that it is open to members of the Research Advisory Committee, all faculty members of the department, research scholars, interested experts/researchers, besides the research supervisor and expert examiner. The university must also maintain record of the interview, including the report signed by the examiner appointed for the purpose.
The shift to online mode for viva-voce examinations was approved by the UGC in April 2020 in view of the pandemic and lockdown.
An interview/viva-voce is organised by the university/institute to discuss research interest/area through a presentation before a duly constituted Departmental Research Committee. For selection of candidates, ewual weightage is given to entrance test and performance in viva-voce.