The Tamil Nadu government on Monday ordered Anna University to re-conduct the examination for its engineering students who had appeared for a test during February in online proctored mode exam.

Engineering colleges complained that the pass percentage was very low as many many students had failed to clear the examination owing to multiple choice-based questions. Following several complains from the students fraternity, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin arranged a high-level review meeting, where higher Education Minister K Ponmudi, Secretary Apoorva and other officials from Anna University were also present. It was decided that the re-examination will be conducted on May 25 in an online open book exam mode.

More than four lakh students had appeared for the examination in the month of February. Students will not be required to pay the fees again for the May 25 test,.

“Students who have passed the February test can appear for a retest if they wish. The online exam will be conducted for three hours like in other universities. Exams for next semester will also be held in the same pattern,” a release from the state government said.

The government further announced that those exams which were on hold due to the pandemic and the following lockdowns, will be conducted from May 25. “The announcement will be made by respective universities and students are requested to prepare for the exams,” the release added.