A committee appointed by the Kerala Government has proposed significant changes to university exams, focusing on enhancing the assessment process. The recommendations, set to impact the upcoming four-year undergraduate courses, include a reduction in the duration of written exams and an emphasis on internal assessment marks.
The committee stresses the need for exams to evaluate students’ understanding rather than their memorization skills. It suggests adjusting the duration of written exams based on credit, with many courses having shorter two-hour exams instead of the traditional three-hour format.
One key proposal is to alter the ratio of marks for internal and university exams, potentially shifting from the current 20:80 to 30:70 or 40:60. However, concerns have been raised about the 40:60 ratio, citing possible leniency in marking by self-financing institutions.
The committee advocates allowing the use of textbooks during internal exams and transferring certain exam-related responsibilities to colleges. For instance, colleges may conduct exams for the first two semesters in undergraduate courses, while the university handles the rest.
The move towards digitization is evident in the recommendation for all academic processes to be conducted online, from admissions to exams and degree awarding. Additional proposals include introducing barcodes on answer sheets, sending answer sheets via email for revaluation requests, and providing a 15-minute cool-off time before each exam.
To streamline administrative processes, students are suggested to be allotted identity numbers based on their Aadhaar cards. Certificates should be issued within 15 days of application submission. Furthermore, the committee recommends implementing a common entrance test for admission to postgraduate courses.
The proposed changes align with a broader vision of modernizing exam systems, incorporating technology, and adapting assessment methods to better suit students’ learning outcomes.
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