‘Semester system will encourage students to attend classes regularly’

LUCKNOW: The new academic session at the University of Lucknow beginning from July 9 will see a number of new initiatives. In a first, the university is introducing semester system in undergraduate courses on the campus and in 166 degree colleges affiliated to it. This means, instead of just one annual examination in a year, candidates getting admission to BA, B Sc and B Com courses this year will take two exams in a year, said LU vice-chancellor Prof SP Singh in an interview.

What are the benefits of semester system?

The system would encourage students to attend classes regularly because they would have to take exams twice a year. Top universities in the country give preference to candidates in post graduate courses who have studied under semester system. The semester system will be applicable only for new students. Those currently in second and third year , however, will continue with the usual mode of annual exams. The university has introduced semester system adhering to the guidelines of MHRD and UGC. Introduction of semester system was also one of the recommendations made by the NAAC committee.

What changes are being effected in exam system?

LU will unveil major examination reforms from the new session, with a semester system replacing the annual exams. The new session will see introduction of OMR sheet with multiple choice objective questions. The exam for odd semesters (first, third and fifth semester) will be on OMR and the exam for even semester will be descriptive. The university will prepare a question bank as well.

When will semester exams be held?

The odd semester exams will be held in November while even semester exams in March-April.

How will you ensure students attend classes regularly?

There will be division of marks (100) for each paper in 80:20 ratio – 80 marks will be for the semester theory exam and 20 for continuous internal assessment. Out of 20 marks for internal assessment, 10 will be for project/ extension activity including NCC, NSS or cultural aspects. Students involved in these activities will have to prepare and submit file in their respective departments. The file submitted will be hand written; 5 marks will be awarded for attendance and 5 marks for presentation.So, if a student remains irregular in classes, he is bound to miss out certain marks as semester system mandates for continuous evaluation of students.

There has been sharp criticism over objective type questions. Your comments?

Criticism of introduction of OMR-based objective questions by some teachers and principals is unfair because UGC NET, civil services exam and all other major competitive exams are based on objective type questions. The criticism is unfair.

Any other changes at UG level?

Yes. The semester system would start with Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) that allows students to choose interdisciplinary courses and skill oriented papers (even from other disciplines according to learning needs, interests and aptitude). It makes education broad-based and at par with global standards.

How will you ensure teachers take regular classes?

When the academic session begins from July, senior professors will be requested to take classes of first semester students as well. The university will send a circular requesting all senior professors to teach new entrants both at UG and PG level. Deans will be entrusted with the responsibilities to ensure senior professors take classes.

How will you address shortage of teachers in the varsity and degree colleges?

The university is in the process of filling up vacancies of teachers in important subjects like commerce, psychology, sociology, anthropology, chemistry, physics and others. The recruitment process of teachers will be completed by September-end. In degree colleges, the higher education commission is taking measures to fill up vacant posts of teachers.