BU distance education exam begins after 4-month delay

The annual examination of the Bangalore University’s Distance Education Course — scheduled for June — began here on Friday, after a delay of four months.

Students who appeared for the exam complained that the university had neither conducted contact classes nor provided them with study material.

One of the students who appeared for the Optional Kannada examination told Deccan Herald that he received study materials only on Thursday. Another student complained that he was informed by the university to collect the books 20 days prior to the exam.

“A majority of us are professionals trying to manage the course along with our career. But the varsity has been inconsistent with the examination dates. The entire course has been a harrowing experience,” said another student adding that he would not consider the university again, for his post-graduation degree.

Poor quality

Many students echoed similar opinions. Other universities have already commenced their academic programme for post-graduation courses, while the university students are still appearing for their graduation course exams.

Bangalore University Distance Education Director categorically said that the University will not take the responsibility of negotiating time with any other university.

When asked about the complaints on poor quality study material, the director said:
“Study material provides only a bird’s eye view of the course. The University is contemplating abondoning the practice of distributing study material for distance education courses from the next academic year.” The director, however, added that the fee structure will remain the same.

“According to the prescribed norms, the university is supposed to hike the fee by five per cent every year. But the University has been student-friendly as it has not hiked the fee since several years,” he added.