"The proportion earlier was 80 external and 20 internal marks, but now we have resolved to make it 70 external and 30 internal marks," said Faculty of Arts Dean R J Shah, adding that it was the only agenda among the six tabled for the day, which received some flak, during the board's lengthy discussion.

"Internal marks are one way of ensuring that students attend classes, particularly if they count in their aggregate score. Now, there will be two internal tests for all undergraduate students and the best score will count," Shah said.

The dual internal test system has been in place since 1988, but was never followed after a syndicate regulation, which incidentally, had regulated the internal test system only for 1988; but the regulation had remained in place till date.

Shah said that the internal marks for MA students were also increased from 20 to 30, again to improve attendance.

Senate member Dinesh Yadav said the Board of Studies also agreed to discontinue the supplementary examinations for postgraduate students from 2009.

"Looking at statistics, we realised that only around 30 students apply for the September-October examination, and many end up not appearing for it at all. With this resolution, students might take the examinations a little more seriously," Yadav said. He added that the exemption marks for undergraduates has also been brought down to 40 per cent from the earlier 50, making it a little easier for students to complete their course.