Degree college students who fail their final semester will no longer have to wait for a year to write their examinations. All universities in the State will now have to ensure that these students are given an opportunity to write the exam within six months from the end of their final semester.
The decision was taken at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council’s executive council meeting. Starting this academic year, all State-run universities will have to comply with the new rule.
M.N. Ajay Nagabhushan, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate Education, said the move will help students ensure there is continuity in their education. Additionally, it will help shorten the waiting period. Besides this, he said those who want to look out for job opportunities can do so earlier.
The move has been welcomed by students. Shekar S., a B.Sc. student, said: “This is a much-needed decision as many students spend close to a year sitting at home without employment or income,” he said.
Keerthi S., another student, pointed out that there was a need for universities to take this examination into account and ensure that varsities admit students to postgraduate programmes if they clear their final year papers in the second attempt.
Sources pointed out that the Higher Education Department officials were initially mulling offering all semester papers within six months, but university authorities said that it would not be viable. “Therefore, a resolution was passed to ensure that this is done at least for final semester students,” a source said.
