After a long wait, Mumbai University’s Distance Learning students pursuing MA Geography have finally received their Semester 1 results, nearly nine months after appearing for the exam in January. The semester 2 results, for exams held in May-June, shortly followed on October 27.
Following mid-day’s reports on October 7 and October 14, students confirmed that their long-pending Semester 1 results were declared mid-October. In a week’s time, they also got a hold of their Semester 2 marksheets, for which the exams were held in June. The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) at Mumbai University has also extended the registration deadline for MA second-year admissions to October 31. The earlier deadline was October 13, but many students were hesitant to re-enrol without having any of their first-year results in hand.
Several students, who are balancing jobs alongside their studies, were also anxious about the delay affecting their career plans. Many had hoped to apply for the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (UGC NET), which requires candidates to submit their first-year MA results to qualify. With UGC NET registrations set to open soon, the delay had left students in limbo for weeks.
Now, with the first year results finally declared, students have begun enrolling for their second year. “These results matter more to younger students who are building their careers on this degree. The professors have been supportive, but since the fees are nearly Rs 15,000, such delays make students question whether to pay again,” said one student, who also teaches at a local school. Students had earlier taken to social media to express frustration over the delay. “We’re happy the results are out, but we hope the same pattern doesn’t repeat next year,” she added.
