Examinations to be rescheduled after June 1

If the situation improves, exams may be scheduled between June 1 and July 15

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood on Wednesday announced that examinations will be rescheduled after June 1, as Pakistan's tally of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise.

The education minister reiterated that foreign institutions and domestic boards are bound to implement the government's decisions and if the situation improves, examinations may be scheduled between June 1 and July 15, 2020.

He further stated that he requested Cambridge to schedule exams for June/July, instead of the October/November session, to save students from wasting time.

Mehmood further stated that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) officials were present during the meeting and have decided to delay university admissions due to the delay in examinations.

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He said all public and private institutions have been closed till April 5, as decided by the National Security Committee. The decision will be reviewed on March 27.

In addition, universities were suggested to empty their hostels to prevent an increase in coronavirus cases.

The education minister also noted that arrangements are being made to broadcast lectures on television, to engage students at home.

HEC also established a technology support committee to manage online classes, a content committee and a preventative measures committee to combat the virus.

He assured that the federal government is collaborating with provincial governments to contain the spread of the virus.