In an unexpected turn of events, Bangalore University (BU) recently annulled a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) examination after students discovered that a significant portion of the questions were outside the prescribed syllabus. This incident has raised concerns about the university’s examination protocols and the potential impact on students’ academic progression.
The Incident Unfolded
On January 17, 2025, approximately 800 BCA students from various BU-affiliated colleges appeared for their fifth-semester elective exam in data mining. Shortly after receiving the question papers, students and faculty alike noticed discrepancies. Over half of the questions were reportedly from topics not covered in the current syllabus, leading to widespread confusion and anxiety among the examinees.
Faculty members, upon recognizing the issue, promptly informed the university’s examination authorities. In response, BU’s Registrar (Evaluation), C. Srinivas, acknowledged the error, attributing it to the inclusion of content from the pre-National Education Policy (NEP) syllabus. Consequently, the university decided to cancel the exam within 15 minutes of its commencement to prevent further distress among students.
Students’ Reactions and Concerns
While the university’s swift decision to annul the exam was appreciated, it also led to apprehensions among the student community. Many students had pre-scheduled plans and were concerned about potential clashes with the rescheduled exam dates. One student expressed relief over the cancellation but also voiced worries about holiday plans being disrupted, urging the university to announce new dates promptly.
Implications and the Need for Stringent Protocols
This incident is not isolated. Previously, BU faced scrutiny when a ‘Tour Guide and Service’ examination for BA Tourism students was mistakenly set for 30 marks instead of the intended 60. To rectify the error, the university doubled the scores post-examination, a decision that drew criticism regarding academic integrity and the efficacy of the university’s examination procedures.
Such recurrent issues highlight the pressing need for BU to reassess and strengthen its examination protocols. Implementing comprehensive checks and balances during the question paper-setting process is crucial to prevent future discrepancies. Ensuring that examiners are well-versed with the current syllabus and adhere strictly to it can mitigate the risk of out-of-syllabus questions, thereby safeguarding students’ interests and maintaining the university’s credibility.
Author: IBC Global Times
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