University of Jammu’s decision to take annual graduation examination in online mode is expected to benefit them financially as they would not have to pay for stationery, invigilating staff and for setting of question papers even though students have already paid for it.

Sources said that around 50,000 students are currently enrolled in over 66 Government Degree Colleges affiliated with the University of Jammu. An official said that the University receives Rs 1520 as examination fees from every student. Given the enrolment number, University has got about Rs 7.6 crore from students in name of examination fee.

University asks for examination fee to fund subject experts who set the question papers, printing of question papers, stationery items like answer scripts, invigilators and then for evaluation of answer sheets.

Sources informed that since University has decided to take online examination, college faculty members will be setting question papers. University will not have to pay for stationary charges because students are asked to write answers on their sheets and then upload it to the server. University will save money which was otherwise spent on setting of question papers, purchasing stationery such as answer sheets, printing question papers and other stuff. University will save a large amount of money because exams are set to be conducted in online mode.

According to the sources, University has directed its faculty members to evaluate answer sheets on their own. However, it is still being finalized if they will be paid for it. There are possibilities that faculty members will receive evaluation fees from the University but it is not clear yet. Many students are raising questions about utilization of remaining amount of examination fees.

Sources said that it is still not finalized if University will return the examination fee to students or to respective colleges. Controller of Examination of Jammu University, Prof. Jasbir Singh said that University administration took the decision to conduct online examinations and they will have a final say over the issue.