Colleges In Bengaluru To Implement Uniform Timings

Most colleges in the city start at 9 am; a few begin at 10 am. However, Colleges in other parts of the state have morning and evening classes. The department has recommended changes with the aim to implement uniform timings.

Colleges in the state will have days that start early and semesters that last longer. The Department of Collegiate Education has sent a set of recommendations to the Higher Education Council to "improve" the learning process of students. This includes classes starting before 8 am, and an 110-day semester (against the current 90-day period), among other points.

"Students these days are smarter and have higher IQs than us," MN Ajay Nagabhushan (IAS), Commissioner of the Department of Collegiate Education said. "I feel students need to enhance their knowledge through various learning methods. They have to learn foreign languages to help them get a seat abroad; study computers to improve their technical skills; work and have hands-on experience at a job. This is all possible, only when there is a change in the system in our state degree colleges," he said.

"If the class starts at 8 am, it can run until 2.30 pm or so. Afterward, students can be allowed to go work or do something for their learning. If we look at the colleges in other cities, many students have part-time jobs, or they do something related to their work. I feel this boosts their growth. If college hours get over soon, they can even sit in the library and study," he said.

The recommendation also states that the semester duration should be increased from 90 days to 110 days. This will be adjusted either by cutting down on holidays or the examination duration. "If you look at the mathematics of a degree student's learning process in his/her college, it is very interesting. A student in the state has to undergo 36 months of classroom learning (six semesters) before graduating. Each semester consists of three months, and most of the time is spent in examination and evaluation. That sums up to 12 months leaving just 24 months of actual college days," explained Nagabhushan.

"Each semester is 90 days, most of the time goes only on internal assessments, college programs and any other holidays. Where is the time for actual classroom learning? Moreover, the optional/additional subjects need to be incorporated and conducted in a regular class," added the commissioner.

"Optional subjects like environmental science, Indian Constitution, and additional computer science can be done with an only-assessment. If students are given books; that should be enough. The focus should be on core subjects," he added.

For this reason, the recommendation that the department has submitted requests the council to look at how to increase the number of days in a semester to 110 days as against 90 days. The department also suggests that vice-chancellors and academicians take up this matter and come up with solutions.

A principal of private college said, "This will be a good move if implemented. Teachers can also get ample time to prepare for classes, while students can be given many projects to do."

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