Mumbai: 100 BMM students to be failed for boycotting exams

The students are against the 75:25 marking ratio, where 75 marks are allotted for theory and 25 for internal evaluation. Earlier, 60 marks were for the theory test and 40 for internal exams.

Around 100 students of Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) course in Kirti College, Dadar, will be failed in their first and third semester exams because they boycotted their internal tests to protest against the new marking system introduced by the Mumbai university last month.

HT Image

The students are against the 75:25 marking ratio, where 75 marks are allotted for theory and 25 for internal evaluation. Earlier, 60 marks were for the theory test and 40 for internal exams.

According to college officials, the students may have to take the ‘Allowed to keep term’ (ATKT) exam to gain the required credits or lose a year. “We had asked the university to allow them to appear for a re-test, so they don’t end up losing a year. We have received no response from the university. According to rules, if an internal exam is skipped, the student is considered failed,” Vishnu Magre, principal, Kirti College said.

Parents and students have approached the college for help. “Students took the step because they were unhappy with the system. They should not be punished so harshly. A re-exam should be considered,” said a parent, requesting anonymity.

Neeraj Kumar, the coordinator of the BMM department in the college, said the students who had skipped exams were asked to write an apology letter to the college and university. “I plan to meet the principal and university officials on Monday,” she said.