No mass promotion: Non-conventional examination mode to evaluate UG students

Srinagar, June 10: Ruling out mass promotion, the University of Kashmir has decided to evaluate the performance of undergraduate (UG) students through non- conventional mode of examination.

On June 4, Kashmir University in a meeting with college heads discussed the mode of internal assessment and paper pattern for undergraduate students. However, the decision was pending for the final approval from the university authorities.

Now, Kashmir University has issued detailed guidelines for holding the internal assessment of the UG students.

“There shall be a credible and transparent alternative to the conventional examination to be conducted under the strict supervision and continuous monitoring of the principal of the colleges. The modalities shall be worked out by principals in consultation with the faculty to suit the requirement of the course,” reads the official document of Kashmir University.

The varsity has also issued a detailed list of modes and methods of examination which include written assignment, project or case study, continuous assessments, MCQ based paper, individual or group viva. Any other method may be decided by the principal in consultation with the faculty, the document reads.

“Assignment shall be given to students or a group of students by the concerned subject teacher or group of teachers. The assignment shall be so drafted that it should appropriately test the knowledge and understanding of the student about the concerned subject,” it reads.

Likewise, the guidelines state that nature, number, and contents of the assignment will vary from the subject and will depend on the discretion and choice of the concerned principal of the degree college and the faculty.

However, it shall necessarily be based on the prescribed syllabus preferably on the topics taught or for which study material has been provided or recommended or is available on any online platform made known to students.

The evaluation of the assignment shall be done by the same faculty who has given the assignment or by any other subject expert who shall be decided by the respective principals.

“The time duration for submission of the awards shall be decided by the concerned principal in consultation with faculty but every effort shall be made to complete this process as early as possible. There shall be a proper record of all the assignments to address any student’s complaint or RTI application,” reads the document.

The result shall be uploaded through the (Information Technology and Support System) ITSS center of the colleges and if there is no ITSS in any college. Principals of the college shall upload it with the help of the automation section of Kashmir University.

Public Relations Officer, examination wing, Kashmir University, Faheem Aslam said given the peculiar circumstances at present, the mode and method of evaluation will be temporarily different from the conventional physical examination in the interest of the student community.

“Colleges are at liberty to determine the mode and method of evaluation, which includes giving projects, written assignments, or holding viva as per the convenience of students,” he said.