Talking to Express Newsline, Head of the English Department P C Kar said, ``The introduction of these examinations will be effective at the post graduate-level but not at the graduation level. The students won't prepare too seriously for an examination if the marks weren't added to the results for the internal examinations.''

His views were echoed by some students of the Political Science and English departments. An English student added, ``The term `voluntary' itself will act as a deterrent and not many will be willing to appear for the exams.''

``Though the examinations will help us evaluate our performance and preparation, if their marks are not added somewhere, we don't see the need to appear for the examinations every month,'' said one Sociology student.

Dean of the Arts Faculty D H Mohite, however, was very clear about the purpose the examinations would serve. He said, ``The examinations will be conducted every month after teachers are instructed to complete a portion of the syllabus and set questions on that. The students themselves will check the answer-scripts and evaluate them on the guidelines provided by the teachers.

``If I make it compulsory for the students to appear for the exams, they'll become like any other tests, and they won't be able to assess themselves.''

A student of the Political science department, however, said voluntary examinations were not the correct way to assess students, since performance in them would not affect their overall percentage.

N Rajaram, a Sociology professor, however, welcomed the introduction of the voluntary examinations, maintaining it would be a big help for those keen on improving their performance and assessing themselves.