In an attempt to overhaul the university examination system, the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of 11 State-run universities have proposed introduction of Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) type answer pattern. It is aimed at knowing the analytical capability of a student.
In a report on reforms in higher education that was submitted by the VCs to the Chancellor of Universities and Governor S C Jamir recently, they have suggested that the UPSC pattern of answering should be introduced where a student would need to make an in-depth analysis of a question. This would be a major departure from the conventional free answer type of essay writing which was being followed for a long time.
Most importantly, it has been proposed that one consolidated question paper-cum-answer book will be provided to examinees.
Like UPSC answers, no marks will be allotted for superficial knowledge, and marks would be given for orderly, effective and exact expressions. “This pattern of exam would intend to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of the examinee rather than merely the range of their information and memory,” said D N Jena, the VC of Utkal University of Culture, who was a part of the committee that prepared the report. Accordingly, Jena said instructions would be given to candidates to write the answers only in the pre-defined areas below each part/sub part of the questions.
The Chancellor had earlier constituted four panels of VCs from 11 State-run universities and asked them to create a report on academic and exam reforms, infrastructure development, introduction of uniform syllabus and upgradation of course curriculum within the existing framework.
While a three-member panel looked into revision of norms of funding agencies such as UGC, AICTE and ICAR, a second sub-committee recommended changes in acts, statutes and account manuals governing the varsities to make these relevant with changing times and requirement.
The third panel suggested measures for admission, examination and academic reforms, while the fourth sub-committee proposed measures to improve gross enrolment ratio (GER) in universities and affiliated colleges, infrastructure development and steps as required under Centre-sponsored Rashtriya Uchhatar Siksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
The UPSC pattern of answers apart, the VCs have decided to introduce choice-based credit system in all the 11 State universities.