Close to 80 per cent of students pursuing undergraduate courses under Mahatma Gandhi University fail to clear the general English paper in the first attempt, according to varsity officials.
The dismal scenario came to light in the course of an analysis of the past performance of undergraduate students who had passed out last July.
Average pass percentage: 20
“It has been found that the maximum number of supplementary examinations is for the English paper, as the average pass percentage is only 20,” Vice Chancellor Babu Sebastian told The Hindu .
According to varsity officials, almost 70 per cent of final year students appear for supplementary examinations for papers to be cleared in the third and fourth semesters.
“The huge backlog has delayed the publication of the final semester results. Still, we are making all efforts to announce the sixth semester results by July 5. Evaluation of the third semester supplementary examinations is over,” Prof. Sebastian said.
Varsity officials said the shortcomings in English language training at high school and higher secondary levels needed to be addressed immediately.
“Some affiliated colleges are conducting bridge courses to improve the quality of English language training. But, corrective measures should be taken at the school level,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Communication
Meanwhile, teachers at some affiliated colleges recalled that at least six out of 10 students could not communicate in English.
They called on the authorities to see if the questions asked in examinations matched the standard of teaching at colleges. There have also been instances where questions are out of the syllabus, they said.
