‘Scrap recheck of answer papers in DU’

While reasons were not explained,it is understood that the move is an attempt against overburdening DU’s examination department after the semester system was introduced.

The ECISS has also recommended that the evaluation process be centralized,that all answer scripts be checked in one centre. The proposal also says: “There would be joint evaluation of scripts by three or four examiners,each evaluating answers to one or two questions of all scripts.” Sources said more than one teacher checking an answersheet minimises the possibility of a biased evaluation.

The proposals were online barely an hour after the meeting concluded.

One of the major positives often highlighted about the semester system is that it fosters an inter-disciplinary approach to studies — a student majoring in a subject could also study a related subject for the course.

But the ECISS is now discouraging optional courses,saying that “fundamentals are to be emphasised at the undergraduate level”.

The ECISS suggested major changes in the original major-minor system proposed. This system says each student can take a total of 24 papers,out of which 15 will be of the major subject,and six of the minor.

It has now proposed that students can opt to study six non-Honours papers from one or more subjects. Only if a student opts to choose all six papers from the same subject,will it be called a minor,according to the proposal.

With departments like English,History and Economics opposing the semester system,ECISS has proposed that “in case a department feels one subject as minor will not serve the purpose of developing an adequate base for the major subject,they may refrain from proposing any minor subject and,instead,offer a structured package of six papers covering two or three subjects.”

The ECISS has also proposed that the university do away with the “special chances”,in which students are allowed to take exams even if they registered before seven years. According to the proposal,the span period of all undergraduate courses would be seven years from the date of admission to the first year,without exception.

The practical examination,now conducted centrally over a month,is proposed to be made a purely internal examination from 2010-2011. All practical work done by students will be evaluated by the teacher concerned and will constitute 50 per cent of the paper,the proposal says.

“The proposals have reinforced the faculty members’ objections that the semester system will lead to a diluted Honours course,” DU Academic Council member Abha Dev Habib said.

“For example,ECISS is proposing that for tutorials,Humanities and Social Sciences classes be divided into a maximum of four batches with a minimum of 10 students each. On the other hand,currently we have upper limits of eight students in an Honours class and 12 students in an undergraduate programme.”