We criticize the Delhi University's decision to hold final year post-graduate and under-graduate exams in ''open-book'' mode online if the COVID-19 situation doesn't normalise soon, terming it as  "discriminatory" which would put a large section of pupils in anxiety.

The concept of an ''open-book'' examination is very different from the kind of tests we are used to. Springing this ugly surprise on us in such uncertain and anxious times will increase the anxiety of large sections of students, especially since the normal teaching-learning process has been disrupted due to the pandemic. The pedagogy of DU and its examination system are neither structured nor cultivated for open book examinations and those too to be taken at one's home.

Open book exams are meant not only to test the conceptual understanding of the students but also their ability to apply these concepts in real-life situations. Open book online exams need a totally different patterned question paper. Students and teachers are never trained for this process of conducting exams in our university.

In a time of health crisis, the DU administration must take into account the students coming from the marginal sections of the society. Students have cited various reasons such as connectivity, resources, lack of material and online classes for rejecting online exams. The voice of students must be listened to.

We demand that the pen-paper option be given to all students.