Panelists Advocate for Digital Reforms, Ethical AI Use, and Student-Centric Exams
Chandigarh, September 24
The Confederation of Indian Private Universities (CIPU), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing higher education and positioning India as a global knowledge hub, successfully organized the COE Summit 2025 at Chitkara University, Chandigarh. The summit, themed “Ensuring Academic Integrity: Digital Proctoring and Examination Reforms,” convened prominent Controllers of Examinations from across India to discuss strategies for fostering fairness, transparency, inclusivity, and innovation in academic assessments.
The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Prof. B.P. Garg, Registrar (In-charge) and Controller of Examinations, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda; Dr. Shruti Goyal, Controller of Examinations, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab; Dr. Sanjiv Singh, Controller of Examinations, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly; and Dr. Rajeev Kamal Sharma, Controller of Examinations, Chitkara University, Punjab.
The summit opened with a key question: “In today’s higher education landscape, what does academic integrity mean to you, and how does it shape examination reforms in the digital age?”
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Prof. B.P. Garg emphasized the need for full digitalization of examination systems to enhance transparency and accountability. He highlighted the role of DigiLocker and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) in streamlining processes, securing academic records, and improving accessibility for students.
Dr. Shruti Goyal underscored the shift from conventional exams to a holistic approach focused on student development. She stressed integrating value-based education with technology, stating, “The challenge is not to reject AI but to guide students to use it ethically.” Dr. Goyal advocated for responsible use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for tasks such as brainstorming, outlining projects, and reviewing work, with integrity as the cornerstone.
Dr. Sanjiv Singh addressed challenges of scale, sharing his university’s initiatives like uploading marksheets to DigiLocker, incorporating QR codes for authenticity, and exploring blockchain for secure credential issuance. He noted, “Accessible systems like the Academic Bank of Credits can make reforms inclusive and equitable, especially for students from rural and underserved backgrounds.”
Dr. Rajeev Kamal Sharma focused on aligning examinations with NEP 2020, UGC guidelines, NAAC, NBA, and NCRF. He recommended a phased, pilot-based approach to reforms, stating, “New methods should be tested gradually to ensure flexibility and student-friendliness.”
When discussing ways to reduce student stress, the panelists offered varied solutions. Prof. Garg advocated for consistent preparation over last-minute cramming. Dr. Goyal shared that RGNUL has revamped its exam model to include application-based questions with access to Bare Acts, aligning with competitive judicial exams. Dr. Singh highlighted how mid-semester exams and project-based assessments have alleviated student pressure.
In closing, Dr. Rajeev Kamal Sharma thanked the speakers and attendees, stating, “At Chitkara University, we believe academic excellence must align with fairness, transparency, and innovation. This summit reinforces our commitment to technology-driven, student-centric examination reforms.”
The summit concluded with a consensus that digital transformation, value-based education, and ethical technology use are essential to uphold academic integrity in the digital era, aligning with CIPU’s vision of establishing India as a global knowledge leader.
