Colleges in the state will reopen February 15 onwards at half the capacity, the Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant said on Wednesday. While the online mode of instruction will continue, physical attendance will be voluntary. The reopening of city colleges, however, remains unclear as Mumbai University is yet to issue guidelines.

In good news for students, the state has also removed the 75 per cent attendance rule this year. Students will be able to choose between online and offline exams as  well. “Reopening will be done in phases, with the first phase scheduled from February 15 to March 5. The state will review the situation after phase one and decide on a future plan. All colleges will have to follow guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on November 5, 2020,” Samant said.