Now, engg courses to have credit system

As supply surpasses demand, getting an engineering seat via CET is not a tough job anymore,  especially so with the AICTE having lowered the eligibility criteria of 50% marks in (Physics, Chemistry & Maths) HSC to 45%. But, studying in an engineering college affiliated to the University of Mumbai, one must necessarily pass the course now.

For, the faculty of technology is all set to roll out a credit-based system in all first-year of all engineering courses from this year on. Pharmacy, architecture and MCA courses too will have credit system simultaneously. The new system aims to track the progress of the nearly 22,000 students based on a continuous evaluation process, which will include class tests, assignments, attendance and classroom performance along with the semester-end exams.

The credit based semester system was introduced in the undergraduate courses of Arts, Science and Commerce from 2011-12. In first semester exam of these courses, over 70% students failed in one or more subjects. Post-graduate (PG) courses in these faculties will also bear this system from now. Few subjects, like economics, sociolgy and chemistry, already have a credit-based system at the PG level.

While confirming the development, Dr SK Ukarande, Dean of the faculty of technology in the University of Mumbai, said, “While we are all set to implement the credit-based evaluation system from 2012-13 in all first-year engineering and technology courses, the decision needs the approval of the academic council which will be added gradually in second, third and fourth year. Post-graduate courses in these subjects will also be adopting credit system from this year.”

Refusing to give any details of the number of credits or their break-up, Dr Ukarande said, “We propose two tests in each semester along with the semester-end exams. Assignments, tutorials and practical exam would also be there, but the number of credits and other details are under preparation.”