The extra time is to allow students to fill up the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet, which is also being introduced for the first time. Students can also utilise the extra time for reading the question paper but will not be allowed to write answers.

The computerised OMR sheet (which contains the particulars of a student like name, registration number, etc) will help in minimising manual mistakes. Vice-Chancellor R C Sobti said: “In every competitive exam, students are required to fill up OMR sheets and this will make them familiar with the procedure. This move is bound to help the students.”

Students welcomed the decision saying it would be of immense help. Parminder Jaswal, president of the PU Students' Council, said: "The step is definitely in the interest of students. It would help reduce the workload on the faculty in the university."