Amid the NEET controversy, now educationalists are in a view that the entire testing and examination system needs significant reforms. While preparing their tests, psychologists use a term known as ‘predictive validity’, which refers to a test that is valid if the results correlate with future behaviour. For instance, if any test does show that a person is a good leader then her behavior must correlate to the results of the test in the workplace too. Now the predictive validity of the tests is questionable with such controversies about whether such tests are measuring what they purport to measure. 

For various controversial reasons, we got 67 toppers in the NEET examination this year. Not only in medical exams but lack of seats and gradual inflation of aspirants has become common now. We are lacking the required medical seats that can fulfil the doctor-population ratio which is required in society. After such problems were raised with the examination and the Supreme Court’s statement which questioned its “sanctity”, now students are questioning how viable it is to believe the testing agencies of government.  

Also, institutions such as CBSE when conducting its exams, generally have a mixture of objective and subjective question papers are visible. It is to check the holistic abilities of the student. However, now it is also a questionable fact that how much predictive validity, just objective question papers or subjective papers in DU have? How viable it is to say now that a person scoring good marks on this paper will prove herself as a talented candidate?

Problems with just objective or subjective question papers 

Especially in the disciplines of humanities and social sciences, the question papers are completely subjective at Delhi University. Exams of NTA inclusive of NEET and CUET are completely objective papers. Relying solely on just one format of paper does possess a lot of problems. Such as: – 

1. How is the subjective and diversity of knowledge checked when we just have objective question papers? 
2. How shall we ensure the fundamentals are clear when we do not have a single objective question in the question paper? 
3. Why are students in the view that filling the pages in exams, especially in DU will provide more marks? 
4. How practical is the reference list provided for DSCs of honours courses where it is generally observed that one semester is not of complete 6 months? 
5. Isn’t it viable to argue that guesswork plays a significant role too in objective questions? When we have four options there is a 25 percent probability of one option being correct even in random guesses.  
6. How inclusive is today’s examination pattern? 

Voice of reforms 

In 1948 Radha Krishnanan Commission postulated that “If we are to suggest one single reform in University Education, it should be that of examinations.” 

The NPERC states that “Examination reform cannot be construed as an isolated activity to bring about process orientation. It has to go as a package along with reform in the structuring of courses and flexibility for students to avail of the restructured courses according to their convenience.” 

Thus, it is very apparent here that voices are there in Favour of the need for reforms. We have to make the examinations more inclusive and as per the market demands. It is an unfortunate situation for us that educated students are finding it difficult to fit themselves in the market. 

Suggestive reforms 

We need a change and direction here. The following changes can help us to make these examinations more viable. 

1. Inclusion of industries in setting up examination patterns. Finding jobs in the cluttered market seems to be difficult as the standards are not equivalent to it. If we want an employed youth, the process framing of the curriculum itself must have the contribution of industries and the required skill set. 
2. We must have both objective and subjective patterns of examination to make it more inclusive and diverse. 
3. We need a separate committee to examine the viability of the present examination system. 
4. There is a need for decentralization of political power in the education sector. Thus, the reforms can be implemented from grass root levels 
5. The paper leaks and exam mafias do require ‘treatment’ from the government. It is very unfortunate for students to see their efforts vanish as a result. 
6. Students need more transparency in the evaluation process. 

Thus, in a nutshell, we can conclude that it is high time to make the examination system much more viable. We need an accurate, viable and transparent examination system that can provide a level playing field for everyone. 

References

Youth library, Freepik images

https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/essay/examination-reforms-in-india/45224#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20reform%20the,commission%20too%20repeated%20these%20reforms.

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Delhi University semester exams are about to start and a new problem among students has arisen regarding attendance policy. Those students who are enrolled in regular courses and have attendance less than 67 percent shall not be eligible to appear in examinations (some conditions applied). This is creating anxiety among students to maintain the minimal requirement here. Colleges this time are very strict with their attendance policy. Gradually colleges are publishing their official notifications for students with low attendance. This blog will let you know the entire attendance policy of Delhi University and some measures that you can take to maintain a good attendance percentage in your college. Then we shall deal with questions about how viable this policy is in bringing regularity to the college.  How much necessary it is to have strict attendance measures in universities? 

DU attendance policy 

As per the current attendance policy of Delhi University, Students must have 66.67 percent attendance. It means that for all the classes that have been organized in the whole semester in regular courses, you must pursue 67 percent of the total number of classes. Those who can’t fulfill this criterion of attendance will not be eligible to appear in semester examinations for their respective course until conditions apply.

The circular from the Delhi University (DU)-affiliated college reads, “This is to inform all students having less than 67 percent attendance that they should report with their parents to the college…” 

In 2023 as per the report of TOI, 1397 students have been detained due to low attendance in their classes. This year also it is anticipated attendance that strict action will be taken against the defaulters of attendance. 

Relaxation in the attendance policy

Although a relaxation in attendance policy has been there in case of medical problems. If you have a medical problem, please submit your medical certificate to the college and thereby you can get relaxation accordingly. Also If you part of NSS, NCC, sports, or any other college society where you were engaged in any co-curricular activities then you can get attendance relaxation up to approximately 15 percent ( can differ by college policy). Otherwise, it will be very difficult for you to maintain the total attendance without attending your regular classes.

Parent meeting: How much is viable? 

Colleges of Delhi University are now calling parents of defaulters inside the college campus. 

Recently Hansraj College has issued a notification to call the parents of those students who are defaulters This has created a huge problem for students especially in the case when they are immigrants in Delhi. For every parent, it becomes very difficult to travel to Delhi, if they are residing outside. Hansraj College Principal, Rama Sharma, justified the decision, citing past instances where parents were unaware of their wards’ attendance issues because the students had provided their email IDs instead of their guardians.   

However, Aditi Tyagi, SFI Delhi state committee member stated the problem in dealing with attendance, especially after the introduction to the new education policy in her words, “Students are made to attend classes on ‘how to be happy’, under the FYUP, which have mandatory attendance. Because of these extra subjects, classes now end at 5 pm. Many students, who usually are involved in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, are finding a huge chunk of their day being taken away by classes alone” 

Conclusion  

Thus it can be concluded that The stringent attendanceṄ policy of colleges is creating huge problems for their students. The continuous classes continuously for 5 hours with the demand to be present regularly creates a lot of problems for students. Thus next time if you don’t want to face this problem, either maintain your attendance or you can join any college society which is an advantage in this case. Also, colleges here must create a way for online meetings for those parents who can’t travel to Delhi on an immediate basis. By the end of the day please try to be present at classes whenever possible to avoid such difficulty.

 References

https://www.edexlive.com/campus/2024/May/07/is-delhi-university-becoming-more-stringent-with-attendance-rules-students-think-so

images- free pik images, ht

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Final exams are around the corner, and all the students are on their toes. But it’s time to remain calm and composed, not to freak out. Relaxing during exams might sound like a joke, but it’s the key to achieving good results.

Exams can be daunting and induce anxiety, but it’s crucial to understand that to excel, you need to relax. It’s time to control your anxiety and keep your head in the right place.

At this point, many of you may feel lost. Haven’t studied the whole semester? Scared of exams? Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

Stressed student

By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident about your exams and hopefully have a clear set of goals to work on.

Let’s begin with all the tips and tricks that will help you navigate this exam season while staying sane and calm.

STRATEGIZE

The first and foremost tip is to strategize. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the most important thing to do. Sit down and think about what needs to be done, what you know, and what you don’t. The latter might outweigh the former, but remember, you’re not alone in this. Categorize all your topics based on your understanding of them: Knows all about the topics, knows something about the topics, and knows nothing about the topic. Categorize your entire syllabus into these three domains, and even if the last pile seems the longest, don’t lose hope.

OPTIMISE YOUR POTENTIAL

Then comes the second tip: optimise your potential. The key is to study in a way that covers the most material in the least amount of time. Always study by taking a topic from each pile. For instance, start with a topic you’re most familiar with to build confidence. But to prevent complacency, move on to an unfamiliar topic. Studying a difficult topic after an easy one will boost your confidence and cultivate a hunger for learning. Finally, end with a moderately difficult topic. By following this method, you’ll become indestructible and utilize your full potential.

CONSISTENCY

All this will be worth it only when you remember the third trick: consistency. Consistently practicing is crucial for mastering any subject. Work through previous exam papers, quizzes, and assignments to acquaint yourself with the exam structure and hone your problem-solving abilities. Remember that studying even a few hours a day is better than none.

BE ORGANISED

Another trick is to maintain organization. Ensure your study area is tidy and well-structured. Utilize tools such as calendars, task lists, and digital applications to effectively manage your study timetable and monitor your progress. Your mind is already dealing with a lot of mess; it doesn’t deserve to have it manifest physically.

TIME EFFICIENCY

Manage Your Time Effectively, Enhance your time management abilities by practicing answering exam questions within the designated time limits. Prioritize questions by considering their point value and level of difficulty to optimize your score.

BE CALM AND COMPOSED

Remain Composed During the Exam, Maintain a calm and concentrated demeanor on exam day. Carefully read each question, utilize your time efficiently, and provide your best possible answers. Don’t allow anxiety or stress to hinder your performance.

Studying is important, but don’t forget about yourself. Below are some things a student should always keep in mind while amidst the exam season:

PRIORITIZE HEALTH

Prioritize health: Take care of both your physical and mental health. Prioritize adequate sleep, nourishing meals, and regular exercise to keep your mind and body functioning at their best for optimal performance. A healthy mind is home to great ideas.

ASK FOR HELP

Don’t hesitate to seek assistance: If you encounter challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help from your professors, peers, or academic support services. Asking questions and seeking clarification demonstrates your determination to succeed. Always remember, being curious is better than being a failure.

EMBRACE POSITIVITY

Embrace positivity: Foster a positive outlook as you prepare for exams. Envision success, stay motivated, and have faith in your capability to overcome obstacles. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who motivate you to excel. A positive outlook can change everything; just try it once.

Hopefully, this article has helped clear your mind. Always remember, college exams are just one aspect of your academic journey. While they’re important, they don’t define your worth or potential. Life is more than just some marks, and through these exams, you will gain valuable experience. Approach your exams with confidence, diligence, and a positive attitude, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

The post “From Stress to Success: Insider Advice for Conquering Exams” appeared first on DU Times.

Delhi University released a notification with reference to the Conduction of Examination dated 14.05.20 . The notification says that the Semester Examination for all the years and courses of the university will be starting by July 1,2020 and a final date sheet shall be formed and released on the the official website by the end of this month.

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Dealing with exam results

Getting exam results is a stressful experience. It can be really devastating if your marks are not that, what you expected, or you feel like you haven’t done well enough to live up to expectations – whether they’re yours, your family’s or someone else’s.

How results can affect you

Whether you’re waiting for results, or you’ve already got them, you could experience any of the following as part of ‘exam panic’:

• Disappointment or depression
• Stress or anxiety 
• Happiness or excitement
• Guilt, confusion or sadness 
• Illness 
• Numbness 
• Anger

Dealing with pressure and expectations

You could be someone who gets motivated and energized by pressure and expectation. But even if you are like that, both pressure and expectation can become too much, and end up harming your performance and outlook more than they help. There are some things you can do to deal with pressure. They include:

• Talking to someone outside the situation, like a friend or counsellor.
• Talking to the person setting the expectations, and try to make it clear they’re not helping.
• Re-setting your own expectations – they could be unrealistic or just unhelpful.
• Taking some space – go for a walk, play sports or video games and give your brain a break.
• Writing down your feelings.
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol – they just help compound stress.

Also remember that your exam results are just that – marks given to one thing you wrote down, once. They’re not a number that reflects your worth, and they won’t stop you doing what you want in the long-term. After graduation we have entrance for post graduation’s almost every course. So, your exam marks now are quite likely to be irrelevant.

by Simran Jindal

for DU Times

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