Students of Mumbai University cheer, but with caution

While Mumbai University administrators and teachers are bracing themselves for the changes and repercussions their plan to adopt a choice based credit system may bring, students in the city are understandably restrained in their delight.

The most obvious change that the credit system will bring is in terms of evaluation. Marks will be replaced by a grade point system that will combine the number of teaching hours a student attends in the course with their grade point scores marked on a scale of 1 to 10. 

Shivangi Rai of Ruparel College says, “The current marking system is very unfair and has led to many unpleasant situations. So, introducing grades is a good move. People aiming for ranks will not like it,  but non-rankers can breathe a sigh of relief.” 

However, Hardik Shukla has a different opinion. He explains: “I personally prefer the marking scheme as explaining grade points and credits to prospective employers and even to family and friends can get very confusing.”  

Aakash Brahmachari, a second-year MA History student agrees. “While there is much talk about credits, we have not heard about whether this will mean any significant changes in curriculum. If the teaching hour stipulation is meant to ensure attendance, then why don’t they just improve on teaching methods and make the syllabus more relevant?”   

The picture of the choice based credit system is still hazy. Shukla asks: “Will admission become easier with this system? Earlier, percentage would be a deciding factor. Now, will students just have to get the required grade to gain admission? If so, then students will be very happy.” 

The cynicism runs deep and students are cautious in welcoming a new evaluative system by an institution that has hitherto been indifferent to their needs. Saloni, another student, admits, “I’m not sure how well it will work out. Initiatives might be introduced but they are rarely seen through sincerely.”