Nearly passed, but lost out by a mark or two? There is relief in sight for scores of students, who have lost out, being so near, yet so far. Bowing to demand from students, Bangalore University (BU) has decided to re-introduce the scheme of awarding grace marks to students, who failed to make the cut by just one or two marks.
This will be done by restoring the process of allocating 1 per cent of the total marks of all the subjects as grace marks, and will be applicable to those who passed out from BU or its affiliated colleges from undergraduate or postgraduate courses after 2010-11. It was that year that the varsity decided to suspend the practice.
The decision was taken as the varsity was receiving a large number of requests from students, who had missed higher education or employment opportunities because of missing the pass mark by a mere fraction, some even resorting to approach middlemen, said BU Vice-Chancellor B. Thimme Gowda. He added that the additional marks will not affect the order of ranks as the marks will be adjusted against the other subjects’ scores in which the student has passed.
Explaining how the procedure, which secured the Academic Council’s nod here on Thursday will work, Ningegowda K.N., Registrar (Evaluation), said not more than two marks will be awarded per subject. This means that if a student has written exams for six subjects, s/he will be eligible to get six grace marks overall. But, if a student needs more than two marks to pass in a subject, the scheme will not be helpful.
If a student has failed only in one subject, and passed in all others with 50 per cent or more, one additional mark will be given (apart from the two grace marks) to help him/her pass.
New rules
However, BU has mooted another set of rules that are awaiting government approval, which promises to benefit a larger number of students. If approved, students who have failed by more than two marks in one subject, but passed in all others, will be awarded additional three marks. An upgrade in the class (distinction, first and second class) is also in the offing.
New subject
The council also approved the introduction of an additional paper for fourth semester students in arts, commerce and science undergraduate courses. Students will have to attend three hours a week of classes on ‘Life Skills’ or ‘Personality Development’. A 100-marks exam is also mandatory.
