Mumbai varsitys latest: 1st class for 2 of 3 writing exam

The new system has ensured that the TYBCom pass percentage has jumped to 81.5 pc

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A small change in the marking system of Mumbai Universitys Third Year Bachelor of Commerce (TYBCom) examination has resulted in an extraordinary outcome two of three students or 64 per cent of those who appeared for the examination have scored a first class or above. Only 22 per cent and 28 per cent students had managed a first class in 2011 and 2010.

However,not all academicians and senior teachers are impressed by the performance. The primary reason for students doing so well,they claim,is the new 60:40 system of marking introduced in 2011 as part of the continuous and comprehensive evaluation. Under the new system,students are evaluated by colleges in all seven subjects for 40 marks 20 for assignments and another 20 for internal papers. The final theory examination is for 60 marks.

The new system has ensured that the TYBCom pass percentage has jumped to 81.5 per cent in 2012 it was 62.9 per cent in 2011 and 63.7 per cent in 2010. A professor who did not wish to be named even alleged that marks were being sold in some colleges and many principals and teachers have demanded a review of the rule.

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It is true that many teachers hate the new system as it involves considerable extra work such as preparing question papers for internal tests,assignments,projects and the like. Many of them claim that such elaborate work leaves them with little time to conduct classes. Subhash Athavale,librarian and faculty at CHM College,Ulhasnagar,had raised these issues by writing to university authorities and the examination department. Teachers will hardly get time to conduct classes. I have written to the varsity and am planning to file an RTI query,seeking details of pass percentage of students in the theory part and internal exams. Most colleges have misused this system; there is no way that university authorities are unaware of these issues,they should immediately act on this, Athavale told The Indian Express.

There is a 99 per cent chance of manipulation in evaluation of internals. The authorities should at least now wake up and review the system, a senior faculty member of a Ville Parle college said. It is a mockery of internal assessment as in many colleges,all students have scored 39 out of 40, said principal of a south Mumbai college.