Semesters: UGC suggests, university deliberates, system takes a test

The Calcutta University (CU) is facing difficulties in switching to the semester system of examination as recommended by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The reasons: The university is already grappling with over three lakh students and the absence of any decentralisation of power.

Under the Academic Reforms in Universities, the UGC has recommended the introduction of the semester system in all universities.

As per the semester system, the academic year will be divided into two terms, the end of which will be marked by semester examination. In the semester examination special focus will be given on internal assessments, increased number of lectures and reduced number of students for a more proportionate teacher-student ratio should also be integrated into this teaching method.

The Mumbai and Bangalore universities have already introduced the semester system in many of their undergraduate courses. In West Bengal too, all engineering colleges, including the IIT, and even universities like Jadavpur, are following the semester system.

While, the authorities at the Calcutta University are aware of the system but they are clueless about how to work it out.

Prof. Suranjan Das, the pro Vice Chancellor academic said that he personally believed the semester system would be helpful for the students.

“If a decision is taken in favour of the semester system, the CU workforce should be able to implement it efficiently,” he further said.

“The university is working to introduce almost 80 per cent of the constituents of a semester system into the education structure by the next academic year, including a credit-based marking system and regular internal assessments in all the colleges,” he added.

According to Das, the huge number of colleges under the CU is hindering the adoption of the new system. “The science and technology post graduate department of the university already has a semester system, while we are working to develop the same structure in the arts department,” he added.

The colleges that are under the CU however, feels the other way.

“I think it may become chaotic if the university has to control the entire semester system by itself. Giving a certain amount of freedom to the colleges in terms of course content and controlling examinations is necessary if the semester system has to function smoothly,” said Prof. Sanghamitra Mukherjee, principal of Lady Brabourne College.

Considering that even a college as prestigious as Presidency College was denied autonomy, it is doubtful whether the university will grant the independence that affiliated colleges may need for implementing the semester system efficiently.

“Unless there are mid-term examinations, it may not be possible to incorporate a more intensive syllabus or teaching methods. Thus students may not be able to reap the complete benefits of the semester system,” Mukherjee said.

At the same time Mukherjee expressed apprehensions about the new system.

“As changes in the system keep occurring, management tends to become disorderly at times. The students face disadvantage as teaching and learning processes suffer,” she added.

It is hoped that the coming up of a university in North 24 Parganas will take away the burden from the CU and it might become easier for the latter to adopt the semester system.