UGC to reform higher education examination system

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is focussing on revamping the current examination system in higher education across the country.

To start with, it has constituted a committee to examine the examination systems followed by the universities and other higher education institutions and recommend changes.

The higher education regulator is also engaged in laying down semester-wise and subject-wise learning outcomes, which will not only be used to evaluate the learning achievements of the students but also to fill the gaps in the teaching-learning process.

“The move is aimed at promoting quality and excellence in the higher education sector,” official sources told DH.

This comes close after a committee of experts recently recommended a host of measures in its report to the All India Council for Technical Education to revamp the examination practices in engineering and other technical institutions.

Among the various measures, the panel constituted by the AICTE recommended the introduction of open-book examination system for technical institutes. The report of the committee is under consideration of the government.

The UGC's move to bring in much-awaited examination reforms in the higher education sector assumes significance as the prevailing system is facing many issues, including lack of quality in written examinations methods and fairness in practical examinations.

Students also suffer due to delays in the conduct of examinations, announcement of results and award of degrees.

The UGC committee, which would examine all these issues, has solicited suggestions from higher education institutions on various themes.

Suggestions invited

The suggestions sought relate to examination models which could be adopted across India, structural and procedural changes needed in the existing examination system, evaluation process, result declaration, award of marksheet and degrees.

Feedback has also been sought on the procedure for moderation of students' scores, internal examination and external examination, and grading system.

“The committee will accept suggestions from all stakeholders including students, teachers and academicians,” official sources added.