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University Mulling Relief Measures Over Out-of-the-Syllabus Questions in BA Exam

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Several students of Delhi University’s BA (programme) Economics have claimed that most of the questions in the research methodology paper were out of the syllabus, causing the university administration to consider providing relief measures to the concerned same.

The research methodology paper for semester four of BA (Programme) Economics was conducted on May 16, during which several students had raised concerns about nearly all questions being out of the syllabus. The students claimed that they managed to attempt just two or three questions out of eight. Moreover, the question paper given to the students of semester four mentioned second semester. Following such concerns raised by the students, the university was considering that the answer papers be evaluated based on three questions with each being allotted 25 marks.

With the examinations of graduate and postgraduate courses currently underway, similar issues have been reported in other courses as well.

The research methodology paper consisted of eight questions of 15 marks each out of which only five questions needed to be attempted. However, what came as a shock to most students was that only two questions were from the syllabus, one was partially related to the syllabus while the rest were alien to them. On raising the matter with the invigilator, the issue was conveyed to the university officials who responded that the question paper was fine. However, the discontent among the students led them to submit a representation to the Head of Economics and based on these representations, a meeting was called and it was decided only three questions will be evaluated, as alleged by the faculty members.

The examination branch of Delhi University mentioned that it received several representations in this matter and those were forwarded to the Economics department. On May 24, a meeting of the research methodology question paper setters with all the teachers and moderators concerned was held by the Department of Economics to look into the issue.

The minutes of the meeting confirm that since most students were unable to attempt more than three questions out of eight, they will be evaluated based on three questions and each will be allotted 25 marks. For those who have attempted more than three questions, the best three questions will be considered, the minutes further clarified.

Reacting to such developments, Academic Council member Naveen Gaur claimed that similar issues have been reported in the question papers of other courses as well which reflects poorly upon the DU Examination system. Students have reported that the questions of second-year political science examination were out of the syllabus and an EWS exam for Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCEWB) students too had questions outside the syllabus.

Naveen Gaur emphasises that the ‘collapsing’ DU Examination system is because of the ‘barrage of so-called reforms’ including the ‘semester-system’ that has been imposed on Delhi University. He alleges that the system is ‘incapable of such large-scale changes’, with ‘six major changes in the last fourteen years’ and the examination system has to take the ‘maximum burden’ of these changes.

Gaur even goes on to add, ‘Similar things are happening in many papers and sadly as a community, we have stopped getting outraged by such things. This is also indicative of our degradation.’

Nevertheless, our best hopes rely on positive relief measures coming underway and students not being haunted by alien questions in the upcoming sessions as well.

Read Also: Deja paper: Wrong Question Paper Haunts Students Yet Again

Featured Image Credits: DU Updates (Google Images)

Priyanka Mukherjee

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Campus Central

The Right to Degree? Mix-up with results at CVS

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A graduate from the College of Vocational Studies (CVS) got in touch with DU Beat recently regarding a mix-up with their fourth, fifth and sixth-semester examination results in 2021 and 2022, leading to them being unable to receive their undergraduate degree and being asked to wait, practically for two years in order to reappear for their fifth and sixth semester exams, of which the college seems to have no prior record. 

The student, who prefers to remain anonymous, claims that in November 2021, while the University had shifted to the online mode due to the COVID-19 virus, they had appeared for her fourth-semester examination given through the open book format and mostly depending on internal assessment. However, afterwards, it was brought to their notice that the examination results from that semester were not uploaded on Delhi University’s website. When they approached faculty within their department as well as the dean (Dr Inderjit Dagar), B. Voc in Small and Medium Enterprises, she was asked to simply wait citing that it may be an administrative lag. It’s important to note here, that the student was suffering from COVID at the time and due to the online mode, most of the correspondence was taking place while they were in their hometown, Gorakhpur. 

By the time of their fifth-semester examinations in January 2022, the fourth-semester results were still nowhere to be found. This was also when colleges returned to the offline mode. Upon approaching the examination head at CVS, it transpired that there was in fact, no record of their fourth-semester examination form with the college and hence, they’d have to reappear for the fourth-semester examinations along with their sixth-semester one. However, even after doing so, she encountered a similar issue after her final undergraduate wherein her fifth and sixth examination results were also not uploaded on the website, once again. At this point, they started working in Bangalore and required their university results for further placements. They claim to have their fifth and sixth-semester exam registration forms as well.

Upon approaching the college and the South Campus administration through email, they didn’t receive a response to emails supposedly. This was during the time when the student was still not in Delhi as she had started working in Bangalore. When they raised the matter that she wouldn’t be able to submit the proof of examination offline due to the aforementioned reason, one South Campus administration member supposedly responded, 

“Aapka matter hai, aap khud nahi aaogi toh phir hum kya kar sakte hai?” (it’s your matter, if you yourself don’t come then what can we do)

After managing to get the documents physically submitted in Delhi, they allege that they received a lacking response from the University, which now asked them to resit for their fifth and sixth semester exams again, as the college had no record of their results. They were also told that they should’ve never been allowed to sit for the following two semesters if they hadn’t received the fourth semester exams, in the first place. In order to do this, they would end up receiving their degree after two years eventually and moreover, miss out on additional grades through internal assessment. This would also interfere with their higher education and further job opportunities. 

They expressed their disappointment in CVS, stressing that the college refuses to acknowledge that they ill-advised them, causing a great deal of stress and mental burden. They also added that they were taken aback by the University’s inefficient response given the gravity of the situation and their insensitivity towards their circumstances. 

Featured Image Source. Website of CVS

Read also: https://dubeat.com/2019/02/03/gun-pulled-out-at-cvs-campus-in-broad-daylight/ 

 

Chaharika Uppal

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DUB News

Déjà Paper: Wrong Question Paper Haunts Students Yet Again

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In yet another instance, students in the fourth semester of Delhi University’s BA Programme SEC Economics (Research and Methodology) received an incorrect question paper.

May marked the beginning of the examination season at Delhi University, and as usual, the university preserved its tradition of giving students incorrect question papers causing confusion among students and faculty members. The problem was brought to light after an Instagram post by SFI Miranda House started making the rounds around student groups.

Inefficiency of Delhi University in conducting exams!! – Exam held (16th May 2023) for BA Programme (Research and Methodology) SEC Economics of 4th sem was provided with question paper of 2nd sem. Out of 8 questions, 6 were out of the syllabus. Each and every student was forced to write the other 2, the right of choosing options of questions was denied to thousands of students writing this exam! Examination authorities of Delhi University should take responsibility and rectify the issue immediately!!

-SFI Miranda House

The examination at Kirori Mal College was cancelled. The professors informed the students that the question paper is incorrect and that the exam has been cancelled; they would be notified of any updates as soon as possible. However, this was not the case across all colleges of DU.

The invigilator said someone might come to inform you all about it, till then do whatever you know. A few minutes later they asked us to sign a letter addressed to the dean of the examination branch of the university about the issue. 

-Udita Narru, ST. Stephen’s College

At SGTB Khalsa College, the question papers were distributed, taken back after noticing “Semester 2” written on the top of them, and subsequently redistributed with the explanation that it was only a printing error.

The professor instructed us to answer the questions (one from the syllabus) while noting down the other questions (one out of the curriculum) and indicating “out of the syllabus” in front of them. Later, we were asked to sign a letter addressed to the dean. 

 -Ayush Rah, SGTB Khalsa College

Ayush further stated that the invigilator instructed them not to leave the examination hall even if they were finished with their exams in case there can be updates from the examination branch. However, even after waiting for 1.5 hours, no notification was delivered.

Later, the professor of SEC Economics at SGTB Khalsa College addressed the students, assuring them not to worry because the question paper was not from the syllabus and that the university will handle the marking scheme.

Read Also: Errors In Econometrics Exams Create Panic Among Students 

Image Source: – Delhi University Examination Wing Website

Dhruv Bhati

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Campus Central

Fearful of Failing Language Exams, First Year Students Reapply for CUET

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Many first year DU students who opted for regional language subjects are reapplying for CUET 2023-24 because of the fear of failing their exams owing to advanced syllabus and other administrative issues.

Several first year students enrolled in BA programme degrees who opted for regional languages are now reapplying for CUET 2023-24. They are doing so out of the fear of failing their language exams, which have an unexpectedly advanced syllabus. The students believed that they would be taught the basics of the languages they had chosen. They are unaware about basics such as the alphabets of the languages, and yet are being taught complicated literature. 

The University has adopted an extremely nonchalant attitude towards the concern of these students. Its response is that nothing can be done about the issue at hand. In fact, the administration holds the students responsible for not rectifying the curriculum beforehand. The demand raised by the student body to be able to change their language subjects to either Hindi or Sanskrit has repeatedly been denied.

The syllabus had to be completed in a short span, so there was absolutely no comprehensive explanation of topics and the lectures lacked any sort of discussions.”

– Aishwarya, a first year student of Gargi College in conversation with DU Beat

The students have also complained regarding the fiasco created around the eligibility criteria. In November 2022, the document issued by the university on its website did not contain the eligibility criteria. However, when inspected by PTI, an old document with an unedited eligibility criteria was visible. This further fuelled confusion among the students.

There is also a severe delay in the appointment of teachers of language subjects. A Miranda House student of BA Programme with Political Science and Tamil as her combination has revealed that she is the only student in the college with such a combination, and a teacher was appointed to her only last week. Many students are extremely dejected, and are afraid that they will fail their end-semester exams. This apprehension is leading them to consider appearing for CUET and taking admission all over again, with different choice of subjects. 

Rubani Sandhu

[email protected]

Image credit: Hindustan Times

Read also: DU to Launch 18 New Courses in Upcoming Session

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Campus Central

Examination Blueprint for Students with Underlying Conditions

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As the pandemic spreads and cases rise, the problem of keeping a functioning educational system has come to the forefront. Universities are now being faced with a unique challenge of whether or not to conduct the examinations in the traditional manner. 

The University of Delhi (DU) has set up a committee to look into the possible scenario of conducting examinations whilst University of Mumbai (MU) has decided to conduct examinations for only the final year students for the time being.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has asked universities to maintain and develop new forms of getting the business done. However, professors and students are opposing the idea of conducting online examination.

At the very foundational level, most students come from rural backgrounds and many do not have proper access to internet facilities which would put them in a tough spot.

This is a unique situation, one that needs a unique solution. The pandemic has exposed the limits of our educational system and brought in open the out-dated assessment system which seems to be completely depended on the last mile performance and final grades.

One issue that the committee and the authorities discussing the issues still seems to give a brush is the how will it be conducting examination for students with underlying conditions?

Neither the University nor the professors seem to mention anything about this critical situation. The University cannot assume that all students are healthy and have no medical issues whatsoever.

Students struggling with underlying conditions such as Asthma, Diabetes, Chronic diseases and other conditions cannot give the examinations with other students.

Such students need a completely different set of policy approach if the university does decide to conduct examination in a traditional manner.

The incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days, in such a situation when students do travel back they would be under a suspicious category and might be a carrier of the disease and can pass it on to a student of the chronic underlying condition which would cause a life-threatening condition for such a student.

A student with an underlying condition cannot be made to sit in the same room with a crowd of other students.

The examination process should not put life at risk for a student with underlying conditions.

These issues need to be dealt with utmost care and caution and should form a part of the policy for the University.

The process of examination needs a revamp. What is happening today in the world is a first, and for us to deal with this crisis we will have to explore arenas that will be first of a kind.

At this hour, we cannot hide away in inconsistencies by the fear of unknown, but take the steps towards the uncharted roads which will give us our first window to a more nuanced and up-to-date system of evaluation and assessment.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

The author is Pragya Gautam, currently pursuing BA LLB from Law Faculty, Law Centre-1, University of Delhi.

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Campus Central

DU Releases Notification Regarding Revaluation After B.A English (Hons) Result

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With various faults and inconsistencies in the marking of B.A. (Hons) English papers, University of Delhi (DU) releases a notification regarding the revaluation after students identify  certain flaws in the result.

The release of the B.A (Hons) English result came as a shock to many students due to the severe inconsistencies in the result of students from all the semesters. The inconsistencies have come in the form of a severe dip in the Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) of many students. A vast majority of students have revealed that they have gotten 1.5 or 2 Grade Points less then what they get. The suspicion lies on the administration for conducting a hasty evaluation process.

With the outcry rising, DU released a statement saying that those who could not apply for revaluation because of the closure of the University due to the pandemic can submit it now. The University has given time till 26 May 2020. Students have been asked to print revaluation forms fill it and email it. They have also been asked to scan and email their revaluation forms, admit cards, copy of marksheet, and a copy of the fee receipt. While this seems like a good way for English Honours and other students to get their results rectified, there are certain privileges and apathy shown by the Administration in this move.

A Press Release by All India Students Association (AISA) expressing solidarity with the students of B.A (Hons) English points out that the method is inaccessible to a lot of students. It says that “ the admin expects all students to have access to internet, printers,scanners and all their documents (Admit Cards, IDs, etc), completely ignoring the health crisis, lockdown, and financial positions of a vast number of students in DU.” It also points out that the last day gives the student a short time to apply, and the fee of Rs.1000 makes it impossible for a lot of students in their current financial condition due to the lockdown to apply. The statement ends with pointing out how mass failures are the burden of the University not the students and for the conduct of free revaluation for all students.

AISA eng hon statement

Damni Kain, a student activist and a student in DU points out several other negative impacts of the results and the revaluation process suggested. She says “ As a student, I find this very disappointing to see how our hardwork of an entire year is mocked by absolute negligence at the hand of the administration. The effect won’t be limited to just an year’s result but the result of our graduation in totality. Further, those aspiring for Masters in Delhi University through marks-based system have almost lost an opportunity. With no fault of ours, we’re made to face the worst amidst a terrible pandemic. To this, the several restrictions and rules placed on re-evaluation makes it impossible for us to go for it. This is an anti-student move which needs to be condemned and taken back if we wish to maintain the ethos of a university system.”

 

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Prabhanu Kumar Das

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DU Forms ‘Working Group’ to Oversee Course of Action for Examination Conduction

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With the extended classes coming to an end soon and doubts over what next with respect to academics, DU has formed a 15-member working group to “oversee all examination related matters.”

In a notification posted on the official website, dated 6thMay, DU has constituted a ‘working group’ to inspect and give suggestions on examination related matters. The working group has been put together to study the various examination related affairs, review the preparedness for conducting this session’s examinations and then take the appropriate measures.

The 15-member body is headed by Professor Vinay Gupta, Dean (Examinations), who is presiding over the committee as the Chairman, and comprises of members from different colleges and departments of DU. The notification also stated that “the working group may co-opt any expert, if required, with the prior approval of the competent authority.”

Dr. Uma Shankar Pandey, the Officer on Special Duty, School of Open Learning (SOL) and also a member of the committee, told Career 360,“There are chances of having both online and offline examination, but that would be too early to say anything as we are yet to have any meeting.”

He denied the question of the University not conducting the examination and stated that examinations will be held as per the schedule announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

He also said that any decision will be taken keeping the interests of students in mind. Although, concerns over conducting examination through online mode have been raised many times in the past few months, Dr. Pandey’s statement clearly indicates that the committee is considering all its options before coming to a conclusion. Today itself, the Working group posted an invitation for comments/suggestions from stakeholders on examinations. They have been asked to send them to the following email ID of the Working Group- [email protected].

However, questions have been raised on the committee’s composition. As reported by The Hindu, University executive council members, Rajesh Jha and JL Gupta, censured the committee, calling it “arbitrary and undemocratic”; and in a letter to the Vice Chancellor, they raised their concerns over the formation of the committee and inclusion of certain “nominated members” and some other aspects.

In parallel, Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA), also wrote to the Vice Chancellor about the absence of the statutory bodies of the University –the Executive and Academic Council, from the Working Group. They also expanded their argument to highlight the inclusion of elected representatives of teachers in the committee and the students’ as well as DUTA’s opposition to the online mode of examinations.

It’s been more than 10 days since University Grants Commission (UGC) released the guidelines on Examinations and Academic Calendar for Universities. With various universities such as Mumbai University releasing their academic plans, DU students and teachers are eagerly waiting for the University’s course of action. The Working Group might speed things up and some official statement or notification can be expected in the coming days.

Feature Image Credits:DU Beat

Ipshika Ghosh

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Delhi University’s Online Examinations Plans Met with Resistance

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Delhi University’s plans to hold online examinations in light of the nationwide lockdown and social distancing have come under fire from the Deans and Teachers.

 

The nationwide lockdown and social distancing rules mean that even if the lockdown were to be eased, examinations would not be possible. Under these circumstances, Delhi University (DU) has been exploring other options, tasking the Delhi University Computer Center (DUCC) with evaluating the feasibility of conducting online examinations. The deans and teachers, however, have criticised the plans that were supposedly discussed in a meeting of the deans of various departments, senior university officials and the Dean of Examinations, Vinay Gupta over video conferencing.

DU Executive Council member, Rajesh Jha claimed to know the details of the suggestions made in the meeting with the plan being for students to send a 20-minute clip in which four questions were to be answered. It was said that officials suggested eight questions are sent to students and they would have to answer four of them by uploading a five-minute video clip in response. Jha called the proposal a “complete mockery of higher education” and has not been alone in voicing his disapproval for the suggestion. Deans of several University departments were said to have termed this form of examination “practically impossible” and “not feasible”. A professor who was a part of the meeting claimed the following: “Deans said many of the students live in areas where there are connectivity issues and many of them might be good in writing but not fluent in speaking. The mode of examination will not test a student properly.”

Jha belongs to the Academics For Action and Development (AAD), a Congress-supported teachers group that also voiced concern over the “arbitrary and authoritarian proposal of the university administration for online examinations”. The group also claimed that the submission of answers in the oral clips would be made through a third-party platform, which DU officials have denied, saying “We are only exploring how online examinations can be conducted in DU, since this hasn’t been done before. Even if the lockdown is removed, social distancing measures will still be in force, so we won’t be able to hold physical exams”. The AAD, however, said the suggestions showed the “scant understanding of essence of evaluation in higher education and its utter disregard for students’ interest”. It also claimed that “In the name of exigency of COVID pandemic, reforms are being thrust by UGC-MHRD to pave way for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2019, aiming at privatisation, contract basis and online education”.

The AAD and others have called into question the feasibility citing reasons such as access to the internet and a smart-phone, difficulties in submission and evaluation as well as the chances of tampering and unfair means. “In the background of digital divide and 3/4th of our students coming from socially and economically weaker sections, the online proposition is against the basic principles of equity and social justice” stated the AAD.

 

Featured Image Credits: Tashi Dorjay Sherpa for DU Beat

Tashi Dorjay Sherpa

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DU Considers Conducting Exams Online with DUCC’s Help

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Delhi University (DU) has considered conducting the semester-end exams online with technical help from the Delhi University Computer Center (DUCC).

An extension of the nationwide lockdown has been announced by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi after an assessment of the COVID-19 spread, and in consultation with the Chief Ministers of the States. With no definite end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universities are being forced to consider alternatives to the normal semester-end examinations that usually take place in May.

Delhi University recently has started to explore its options with the possibility of ‘online examinations’ being conducted as an alternative. The evaluation of the feasibility of conducting online examinations has been tasked to the Delhi University Computer Center (DUCC). Senior Official, DUCC, in conditions of anonymity, stated the following to IANS, “We have received the instructions from top brass in administration and have started to explore options on this. We are seeing if we need to bring up a smartphone application for it or the website can work”. The DUCC is the ‘Central IT institution for the University of Delhi’ and provides technical support for the University and all its Colleges.

It was earlier rumoured that the University was considering scrapping the examinations for first and second-year students, however, the Dean of the Delhi University Examination Center, Dr Vinay Gupta rubbished these claims telling The Quint, “These are mere rumours, University has never even given a thought to this thing”. Further speaking about the possibility of online examinations, Dr Gupta said, “We see online examinations as the only way to conduct examinations, especially in times when students should not leave their houses”. The final decision, however, will only come after the committees that have been formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) present their final recommendations, as confirmed by Dr Gupta.

An anonymous Senior Official, UGC, also said stated, “Online examinations in the University look like a remote possibility, because we do not have a mechanism of conducting exams through an online mode. Also, there are many students who are in rural areas, or areas that do not have proper access to facilities. How will they be able to write exams?”.

The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) also expressed its concerns through a statement that read, “Online education model cannot be a substitute to regular classroom teaching. It does not work in a country where internet connectivity and smartphones are limited to a class of students only”.

The suggestion has supposedly also been met with resistance from the Deans of Several University Departments as it is being termed as “practically impossible” and “not feasible”.

Feature Image Credit: Saubhagya Saxena for DU Beat

Tashi Dorjay Sherpa

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Bazinga: DU to Introduce Dharam Shiksha as an AECC Subject

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With a release of a notification on the University of Delhi’s (DU’s) website, the Examination Committee has declared that Dharam Shiksha will be added to the list of Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) subjects.

In a surprising turn of events, The DU Vice Chancellor, has announced his plans to introduce Dharam Shiksha as a compulsory AECC subject from 2021. Currently, there are two AECC subjects, English Communications and Environmental Science (EVS), both of which are taught in the first year.
The new AECC subject, Dharam Shiksha will be based mostly on the Hindu Mythology and the Vedas, taught in either the third or the fourth semester on the discretion of the college.
Dr. Yojesh Tyagi, Vice Chancellor (VC), DU, said, “After intense discussions and deliberations on this pressing issue, we have decided that it is of utmost importance that our students learn about Hindu culture and history. We feel that studying Ramayana and Mahabharata along with other scripts will help students forge a life which is holistic. It will teach them to stay away from material sins.”
While this has been the justification given by the VC as to why there is a need for this course, the Officiating Librarian, DU, Dr. Narendra Kumar said, “Yes there is a need for this kind of a course, but there could have been inclusion of texts from all religions and cultures, given how DU is such a culture-rich University.”
The syllabus has been said to include the teachings of not just the sacred texts, but also the life lessons of many in the Indian History. This would include Biographies and Autobiographies of Swami Dayanand, Mahatma Hansraj, Swami Shraddhanand, Swami Virjanand, and many more. The Committee feels that the history and life lessons of these people is something unexplored by many college students.
The Committee has refrained from including concepts like idol worship a nd violence during the independence period so as to not harm the sentiments of any community. Rajan Kalra, a first year student of Dyal Singh Evening College, said “They want to inculcate the ideas of a moral life in college students who already live in a rebellious phase of their lives, they (college students) would directly try to oppose any moral education being taught to them, and also, it would be an additional subject which will be more of a reason for the hatred towards this decision.”

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted!

Feature Image Credits: Snapdeal

Prabhanu Kumar Das

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Akshat Arora

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