DU to rectify relative grading under choice based credit scheme

A year after it implemented the Choice Based Credit Scheme (CBCS), the Delhi University (DU) has decided to rectify the grading pattern under it. This comes after widespread protests by students, who complained of their grades suffering due to the relative marking.

According to students, the new marking system does not take individual performances into account and grades are awarded on the basis of the average score of the class, resulting in mass failure.

After the first semester results were out, it was found that under the relative grading system introduced in undergraduate courses students will have to score more than 100 per cent marks to get the top O (outstanding) grade in some subjects. The examiners will have to convert absolute marks into letter grades and grade points through a UGC-devised formula.

The university’s Executive Council members have also raised objections over the scheme, saying the relative grading system was neither placed before the statutory bodies nor was it notified to the colleges before the results were declared.

Following the concerns raised by various quarters, the DU directed the CBCS committee to review the grading pattern and submit its recommendations.

“The committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor to look into various aspects related with examination under the CBCS held its meeting and has suggested some changes regarding computation of grades,” a senior university official said.

“The Dean of Students Welfare has sought feedback from various colleges and departments on the proposed changes, following which a final decision will be taken in this regard,” the official added.