Kolhan University is working on implementing latest technology in imparting high-quality education to students.

After introducing choice-based credit system (CBCS) in 2017, the varsity is now keen on conducting exams online from the academic session 2020-21.

The varsity has asked all its 17 constituent and 29 affiliated colleges to set up necessary infrastructure with a minimum of 200 computers.

In the first phase, online examination will be held for ability enhancement, a compulsory subject for first and second semester students, and skill enhancement, an elective course for third and fourth semester students. Both papers hold 50 marks weightage in the CBCS system. At present students answer the papers on OMR (optical mark recognition) sheets.

“So far no university has introduced online examinations for undergraduate students. We are trying it for the first time and wish to make utmost use of the latest technology. The university has already asked colleges to ready their infrastructure without which the online test isn’t possible,” said one of the officials.

The official further said about 23,000 students was expected to appear for the online exam in the first phase in 2020-21. “Gradually more subjects will be added to the system. We will also learn about the pros and cons of the system and accordingly improvise,” he added.

In 2016, the then vice chancellor of Kolhan University R.P.P. Singh had introduced OMR test sheets for environmental science in undergraduation.

The same year the university had introduced online admission process. The system continued for two years after which the state government opted for a centralised admission process for all state universities through Chancellor Portal.

Students welcome the move but feel the university should also focus on having the right infrastructure.

“The university tends to take steps without being fully prepared. Even the online admission process had many hiccups. First the university must be prepared with necessary infrastructure and only then implement any new measure,” said Kumari Priya, a student activist of Jamshedpur Worker’s College, a constituent college of Kolhan University.