New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, an Institute of National Importance, has held an emergency Senate Meeting on 01 June 2020 and approved IIT Delhi Policy for 2020 Graduating Batch amid COVID 19 pandemic.
The graduating batch (students who have less than a semester of graduation requirements left) can decide on an “Early Graduation” option (which will be end of June) or go through a “regular graduation process” (as and when we are allowed to reconvene) and follow a regular schedule for graduation.
Ramgopal Rao Director of IIT Delhi said “As per the current plans, we hope to get the students back to the campus starting from July 2, 2020 in a phased manner. However, these dates can change depending on how the COVID situation evolves (may be delayed). Since there may be some delays in this, the time-bound Early Graduation Plan is being offered. Students are not forced to take it, but will have the flexibility if they choose to exercise this option.”
For early graduation, students again will be offered two options. Students can choose between a “Audit Pass/Fail” option or a “Credit” option (which involves grading and letter credits).
For the Audit Pass/Fail option, instructors will declare the cutoff and the process, taking into account the COVID 19 related constraints. For the regular “Credit” option, students will take online tests, take home exams, assignments, telephone viva-voce etc. as applicable (will depend on the course). Grading policy for credit option will also be announced to students.
All early graduation requirements will be met through an online process. No student will need to come to the campus. The only reason the graduating batch will need to come to the campus will be to take away their belongings.
Once instructors post their requirements for a Audit Pass grade (or requirements for Credit option), students will be asked to exercise their option through an online portal. If they would like to graduate at a later date as usual (default option), then they can choose to do so.
IIT Delhi currently allows upto 8 Credits to be converted to Audit, for UG students. This is for regular degree course (major) and for Minor specializations. This will continue, and students can still audit upto 8 credits (including what they have done in the past), even if they choose the credit option in their Early Graduation Plan.
Similar Audit/Credit option will exist for project courses. There are also relaxations being given for NGU credits and an institute level committee will screen all such exceptions being sought by students. The attendance requirement, which was required for some courses, is also waived this year.
In case a student cannot complete graduation requirements by June end with these options offered to them, they will have a fallback option to graduate when the semester reconvenes. The pass/fail percentages this year will be no different from previous years. IIT Delhi stated “It will be our responsibility to ensure that no one is disadvantaged because of prevailing COVID situation.”
IIT Delhi will also soon announce Graduating Policy for PhD students amid Corona Outbreak.
