HYDERABAD: Colleges are likely to reopen with 50% capacity from July 1 with the higher education department looking at different combinations to commence physical classes.
After a gap of 15 months, the government has granted permission to commence in-person classes to all educational institutions.
Ahead of it, higher education department officials are now in the process of framing guidelines for the ensuing academic year.
The department is exploring adopting a blended mode of learning, wherein students would be given the flexibility to attend both online and offline classes.
“At a given point of time, only 50% of the total number of students shall be allowed within the college premises.
Students may have to submit negative Covid-19 reports as they begin in-person classes.
Not just that, parents’ consent will also be sought,” an official from the higher education department said.
According to sources, a proposal has been submitted to the government on drafting the guidelines, which might be on the lines of those issued in September last.
Colleges are expected to make necessary arrangements to commence physical classes.
The department has also proposed a shift system, wherein students might be called as per their courses and year.
“We may introduce two shifts — morning and evening — wherein students will be called as per the course.
The undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students may have to attend college on alternate days.
Staggered timings may be maintained for entry and exit too,” another official said.
The higher education department is likely to consult all vice-chancellors of all state universities on conduct of classes as well as UG and PG final semester examinations.
They might also deliberate on attendance requirement as well as the exam pattern.
Customized seating plans, sanitisation and emergency plans would also be chalked out.