Result debacle: Scrutiny shows new assessment system at fault

"We are of the opinion that the percentage may have gone up 20 percent on average as BA (Honours) and BA (General) were taken into account. In BA (General), the pass percentage has been 20 percent. It would have been 25 percent if the examination was held in the old system," a senior official of Calcutta University said on conditions of

anonymity.

As many as 57 percent students had failed in BA Part I examinations, the results of which was declared recently. The scrutiny of the CU results have also pointed out that the pass percentage in BSc would also have gone up under the old regulations.

The official also pointed out that the students were apprised of the new regulation five months after they had taken admission in 2016. It was only four months before the students were slated to appear for their Part I examinations in 2017 when they came to know of the

regulation change.

"We have found out that the new regulation was implemented by the then vice-chancellor by exercising his own power," the official alleged.

A section of the students who have been unable to clear their BA Part I examinations continued their agitation on Tuesday.

A number of students who have come from various colleges tried to enter the varsity campus through the main gate but were stopped by the security guards. The agitators kicked the collapsible gate in a bid to forcibly enter the campus but were prevented from doing so.

State Education minister Partha Chattejee once again made it clear on Tuesday that the government is dead against such agitation from the students. "How can pass marks be awarded to students who have failed. How can we compromise with the standard?" he said.

"The students are agitating now at the drop of a hat. There was an agitation over fee hike, now it is the demand for giving pass marks to students who have failed. It is ridiculous," the minister said.

The students lifted their agitation later in the day when the university decided to hold syndicate meeting on February 6 and assured the agitating students that the evaluation system will be discussed at length taking the grievances of the students into account.