Several exam regulations are being flouted at Third-year BSc practical tests

Updated on: Thursday, May 02, 2013

Third-year BSc practical tests, which began after the written exams ended on April 17, are not proving to be a smooth affair for students. As the university is in a hurry to conclude the exams, which have spilled over into the summer vacations for thousands of students, several exam regulations are being flouted, some teachers have alleged.

A board of statistics member for one of the science subjects has alleged that the batches exceed the normal size. "In at least 50% of the centres, more than 35 students were taking the exam, which is against the norm. At some of the centres, there are two examiners at every centre, instead of four. In several centres, only one examiner is conducting the exam for over 30 students. In some others, there were no lab supervisors," said the member.

Science dean Madhuri Pejaver, though, said that no rules are being flouted. "Students have been waiting for their exams to get over so that they can go for their vacations. We cannot continue to postpone the exams because teachers are not reporting to work," said Pejaver.

"At some centres, lab supervisors are doubling up as examiners. If teachers are not available, lab supervisors can do the work of the examiners, in case of emergency," she added. Though university officials have maintained that the teachers' boycott has not affected the exams, this is a clear example of how it has, said a teacher on exam-boycott strike.

A student must be assessed by four examiners for 200 marks. In some centres, though, only one examiner assessed a student for 100 marks, that is, for three sections and viva plus journal, which is half of the total marks in practical exams, the member alleged.

Examiners are leaving the centres and assessing the papers the next day when they are supposed to do it the same day, alleged the member.

"Should these exams be considered legal?" asked a teacher.

Several exam regulations are being flouted at Third-year BSc practical tests

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