MU sees 10% to 15% rise in re-evaluation applications

The new rule, which is part of a Vice-Chancellor Directive (VCD) issued on July 1, gives even low-scoring students an opportunity to seek re-evaluation.

The University of Mumbai (MU) has witnessed a surge in 10% to 15% applications for re-evaluation of examination papers, after the varsity allowed students to apply for revaluation even if they scored less than 17 marks, said officials.

The data shows that, four months after the exams, MU is yet to assess around 24,000 papers across faculties. The norms require varsities to declare results within 45 days after the exams. (HT file photo)

The new rule, which is part of a Vice-Chancellor Directive (VCD) issued on July 1, gives even low-scoring students an opportunity to seek re-evaluation. The rule comes at a time when several students remained dissatisfied with MU’s assessment of papers, many of whom seek recourse through re-evaluation.

However, the additional applications are likely to put more burden examiners, who are already struggling to declare results on time, said officials.

According to a recent RTI reply, in academic year 2015-16, 1.2 lakh students had applied for reevaluation of which, according to recent data from MU’s examination department, 64,000 applications pertained to the exams held in April-May 2016.

The data shows that, four months after the exams, MU is yet to assess around 24,000 papers across faculties. The norms require varsities to declare results within 45 days after the exams.

He added that the number of applications is likely to increase next semester, when more students are aware of the rule.

The teachers, on the other hand, said that there’s little time and incentive for them to check answer-sheets. “We have to correct college as well as university papers. Unless the teachers are adequately paid, they won’t come for re-evaluations,” said Khoj Agarwal, a visiting faculty at Reena Mehta College, Bhayander.