Colleges In Karnataka To Commence Online Classes From September, Offline Classes To Begin In October

Colleges in Karnataka will be reopening from the month of September thus commencing the academic year after witnessing a series of disruptions caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the degree colleges in the state will take to online classes starting September 1 and will resort back to the physical mode (offline classes) from October.

Confirming the same, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Higher Education, Dr. C N Ashwathnarayan in a series of tweets said, "The academic year for degree colleges will commence from the 1st of September via online classes. Offline classes will begin in October."

"We have decided to use the online medium to get the ball rolling on all academic activities from next month as we will need to conduct a few degree exams in September. We are also awaiting detailed guidelines from the center regarding the resumption of offline classes," Dr. C N Ashwathnarayan tweeted.

Asserting that decision to resume classes in the state is strictly in compliance with the UGC guidelines, the Higher Education Minister said, "In accordance with the current UGC guidelines, we have already made comprehensive preparations for starting classes. The state government will follow any additional directions from the central government as they come."

Speaking about the intent of his government in reopening colleges in the State, the Dy. Chief Minister said, "We work with the sole intent of ensuring a bright future for our students."

He further added that once the academic year begins, final year exams will be scheduled for all undergraduate, diploma and engineering students. Backlog exams will also be conducted accordingly, he stated.

If colleges reopen as planned, Karnataka will go to be the first state in the country to commence the academic year, which usually starts from June but got delayed this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic