BENGALURU: The examination pattern of the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) would be revised from the present academic year. The varsity has decided to implement the revised examination pattern to improve academic quality and to better its results/passing percentage. VTU plans on replacing the existing 80:20 system with a 60:40 system.Under the new pattern, though theory exams would be conducted for 100 marks, it would be calculated for 60 marks. The rest of the marks would be awarded for internals, practical exams besides class room behaviour, attendance and the like.
“It had been one of the students’ demands to adopt the 60:40 pattern as autonomous colleges have been following the same. Our students feel that a system where more marks are awarded by their own faculty would help them score better,” principal of a Bengaluru-based government engineering college said.
The students admitted for the 2017-18 academic year under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) would be writing their semester exams under the 60:40 pattern. According to VTU authorities, the move will help students compete with those studying the same courses at autonomous engineering colleges of the university.
With the implementation of this new pattern, students must give equal importance to classroom behaviour, should be cautious about the attendance and not indulge in anti-university activities, VTU officials said. The syllabus for the revised pattern is ready, they added.Over 250 engineering colleges in the state are affiliated to VTU. Autonomous engineering colleges have a system where both internal and theory carry equal marks. “As autonomous colleges award equal marks for practical and theory, the performance of students studying in the former is better compared to our students,” said Dr Karisiddappa Vice-Chancellor, VTU.
Students sceptical about some aspects
Some students feel the new system may have a negative impact on them as it could increase the impact of favouritism and discrimination. “There are cases where some teachers do not like some students. There is a chance that awarding of internal marks done in a discriminatory manner might have a greater effect,” said a first semester student from Global college of engineering Bengaluru. “Protesting against anti-student policies/decisions is our right. How can the university factor in such things while awarding internal marks?” another student said.