In accordance with the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), students of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) must secure a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5 or above for the completion of their degree. The system, which was introduced in 2015 by VTU, will now apply to all the affiliated colleges that come under it.
In the previous system, students were awarded marks for each subject and had to pass all their subjects to receive their certificates. Now in addition to clearing all the subjects, they must procure a minimum of 5 CGPA. The current 2015-2019 batch of BE, B Tech and B Arch students will be the first to pass out after the rule is implemented.
A circular to this effect was issued by VTU on September 19 with the necessary actions that must be taken as per the new system. As per the circular, VTU has stipulated that students who haven’t secured a CGPA of 5 or more can reappear for the Semester End Examination (SEE) either completely or in part by rejecting the scores they got in the previous semester’s courses.
However, this will only apply to theory courses and will not extend to projects, practicals, internships and technical seminars. Students will be permitted to make as many attempts as they want, provided it is within the maximum duration of the respective course. The month and year of passing will be included in the mark sheet.
VTU has directed faculty advisors and heads of departments to mentor students in the new process. Students have been asked to approach the Registrar (Evaluation) to seek permission for reappearing for SEE.
Speaking to TNM about the new system, Dr Aswath MU, principal of Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT), said, “The system has been introduced for the benefit of students. It is better than the ranking system as it reduces any unnecessary pressure on the students and helps them in their objective of getting real education, which will be helpful in building their careers.”
Several faculty members said that they have been mentoring and specially coaching students who find it difficult to meet the requirements.
However, students pointed out some of the disadvantages of the new system.
“It doesn’t make sense if the passing grade is 4 CGPA and the requirement for degree is 5 CGPA. It would be better if VTU can sort this out,” said Subramaniam, a student. “It would benefit us hugely if VTU includes more projects in this system as those are always prioritised during placements,” he added.