Many Associate Degree pupils miss last chance

Students were earlier allowed to submit forms with fine and three-fold fee

LAHORE:

The academic future of thousands of private aspirants for Associate Degree part I and II is at stake as the Punjab University has disallowed submission of the examination forms with additional late fee.

Under the directions of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the annual examinations this year are the last opportunity for private candidates to get the Associate Degree through the Punjab University.

Read: HEC policy to overhaul university education

The examinations of part I are starting from April 5 and part II from April 15. The last dates for submission of admission forms with single, double and triple fees have passed.

According to the university rules, the candidates were earlier allowed to submit their forms until a day before the exams with a fine of Rs500 per week and three-fold fee. However, the controller of examinations has deprived the candidates of the opportunity.

When contacted, Punjab University Examinations Controller Abdul Rauf said that in view of coronavirus, the facility of submitting admissions form online was provided and no concession could be given after the deadline.

On the other hand, a candidate who failed to submit the form said private candidates would not be eligible from next year and the university does not allow fresh candidates in the supplementary examinations. He said most of the candidates would have passed the age limit for regular admissions in government or private institutions by next year.

Also read: Students protest against NUML university administration in Islamabad

Principals’ selection

Meanwhile, the Punjab Higher Education Department has developed a policy framework to select suitable candidates for the vacant positions of principals at public sector colleges. According to Higher Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, the suitability of the potential candidates shall be gauged after scrutiny by a special committee.

The candidates shall be given marks on the basis of seniority, expertise, relevant administrative experience and aptitude for the job. All related traits shall be quantified and placements shall be made accordingly.

 

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2021.