Colleges plan exam schedules better after gaining autonomy

Schedule exams before Diwali vacation so that their teachers don’t have to work extra

MUMBAI: While the University of Mumbai (MU) is facing criticism once again for scheduling examinations during the Diwali holidays, institutes that recently received academic autonomy have been able to plan their year better. Not only have these colleges scheduled exams in a way that they finish before the Diwali break but they are also ensuring teachers do not end up doing assessment work during the holidays.

“Since our papers will be checked manually, teachers are confident they will finish the assessment work within time, which means they won’t have to work during holidays,” said Ashok Wadia, principal of Jai Hind College, one of the colleges that recently became autonomous.

SVKM’S Mithibai College in Vile Parle, also a new entrant to the ‘autonomy club’, has also

scheduled exams in a way that most get over before Diwali. “Since there was a big delay in the first-year degree college admission process, we could not start

their academic session in time, which has forced us to hold their exams after the vacations. We’ve made sure teachers are not burdened with work during Diwali Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) and Nagindas Khandwala College. Apart from these colleges, five university departments also have been awarded autonomy.

holidays,” said Nupur Mehrotra, vice principal of the institute.

Ever since the implementation of On-screen Marking (OSM) system, several teachers have complained about being burdened with assessment work during their designated breaks — summer and Diwali holidays. This year as well, with exams scheduled to take place during Diwali vacations, teachers are worried about spending another break clearing assessment work.

While 13 colleges affiliated to MU have already been granted autonomy, HT had recently reported that ten new applications have now been received seeking the prestigious status. “Since the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced changes to the autonomy process, the number of applications we received has increased. We hope this encourages more institutes to opt for autonomy,” said an official from MU.

He added that the fact that Jai Hind College at Churchgate was one of the first institutes in the city to be granted the autonomous status within three months of applying for it has encouraged more colleges to take the step.

“Manual assessment is faster than online assessment. Autonomy gives an institute a lot of flexibility, which is most welcome at this point,” said a senior professor from Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga.