Karnataka First PU Exam Paper Evaluation Abandoned

The board exam paper Evaluation process for Karnataka First PU (Pre-University) has been abandoned, because its now back to the old annual exam system for them to pass out. Around 5 Lakh students are to take their Annual exams in March 2013.

The Karnataka Pre University Education Department has come up with a decision to do away with their exams and replace it by the CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation) from the academic year 2012-13. The move comes in the wake of the realization that atleast 1 lakh students stay behind in passing from First PU to Second PU every year.

First PU students get two chances, the main exam and the supplementary. The pass percentage in First PU supplementary is a dismal 18-19%. Those failing in supplementary exams are doomed: they can't attend regular classes and will have to appear for Second PU exams as private candidates. Re-admission to First PU is an option, but students aren't eligible to seek the same stream. Failed science students end up changing their stream as no private candidates are allowed in the stream.

A senior DPUE official said that this decision to do away with the CCE for the academic year 2012-13 was taken at a meeting about 10 days ago after several lacunae were found in the system. He in-fact maintained the situation as "Post Ponement" as the department has planned to reintroduce the system in next academic year.

He said "We want to examine the drawbacks in the present system and implement a better version for the next batch".

The circular is yet to be issued by the department. And the decision means that the colleges will have to revert to the previous system of conducting First PU examinations, in which the question papers will be prepared at the state level and distributed to all districts.

Evaluating the need for a functional and reliable system of School-Based Evaluation, CBSE had introduced the CCE Scheme for doing a holistic assessment of a learner which also includes coscholastic area of Life Skills, Attitudes and Values, Sports and Games as well as Co-Curricular activities. The CCE scheme aims at addressing this in a holistic manner. A number of National Committees and Commissions in the past have consistently made recommendations regarding reducing emphasis on external examination and encouraging internal assessment through School-Based Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation. Therefore, the CCE scheme brings about a paradigm shift from examination to effective pedagogy.

An official of CCE said "This was proving burden-some to students, defeating the very purpose of the system. Also, as the class strength is not uniform across the state, teachers of classes where, the strength was more found it difficult to maintain records".

Are you a student of First PU (Class 11) studying in Karnataka? What do you feel about this decision made by the PU Board? Share your views with us.