Anna University has done away with the system of arrears from the current academic year. Instead, students would have to re-register and reappear for exams they had not passed in a semester, when the subject is offered next.
The students must, however, appear for all the internal tests held for the subject through the semester and may sit in a class when the subject is being taught if they wish, but it is not compulsory. The rule comes into force in all affiliated colleges from the current academic year that starts on September 1, said T.V. Geetha, Dean, College of Engineering.
Meanwhile, the University has relaxed norms for candidates who wish to take a year’s break during their course work. To encourage students to do better and study at their own pace they would be allowed to drop a course to a maximum of six credits from third to eighth semester. The University has also revised norms for eligibility for ‘first class with distinction’.
A candidate who had passed all examinations in their first appearance in all the courses of all the eight semesters within five years (currently it is four years), has full attendance record in all semesters, and maintains a CGPA of not less than 8.50 throughout would be awarded ‘first class with distinction’.
The rule for first class has not been changed. Candidates who complete the course work within six years with a CGPA of 7.00 would be awarded ‘first class’.
The academic council which met on Wednesday had deliberated on relative grading but the University had decided to introduce one change at a time, Ms. Geetha said.
Students who are admitted this year would have the advantage of advancing their courses in the final semester to the sixth and seventh semester provided they have no current arrears and maintain a CGPA of 7.50. “This would allow students to spend their final semester of six months in project work in industry or research organisations,” she added.
New courses introduced
Based on the guidelines issued by the All India Council for Technical Education, the University has introduced new categories of courses in humanities and social sciences; basic sciences; engineering sciences; professional core; and professional electives. The University will also offer open electives, courses from other branches of BE/B Tech, which a student can choose from a list specified in the curriculum.
Candidates will be offered a set of employability enhancement courses such as internship, participation in seminars, professional practices, summer project, case study and industrial/practical training as part of the curriculum.
A set of value added courses has also been introduced. The courses will be listed in the mark list with a grade. These courses should be in addition to the total credit requirement prescribed in the curriculum required for a degree. The courses should not include areas already covered as core or elective.
Students may take one online course from the list approved by the Centre for Academic courses. Students will be evaluated through end-semester exams that will be conducted by Anna University.
Students would be allowed to register only for 36 credit hours in the third year (5th and 6th semester); including the courses they may have failed.
