Second PUC: Students to take practical exams in different colleges

Bengaluru: In a significant decision, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has issued a circular stating that students of designated “Practical Exam Centres” cannot appear for their Second PU practical exams in the same colleges they study at. This decision will be implemented starting this academic year, causing a stir in the education sector.

The management association of unaided pre-university colleges (KUPMA) has strongly opposed this move and demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular. They argue that practical exams should continue to be conducted in the students’ own colleges under the supervision of external examiners, as was the previous practice.

Random Assignment of Practical Exam Centres

According to the circular, district-level deputy directors will identify and recommend practical exam centres for the 2025 Second PU exams. The students will be randomly assigned to different centres, a process known as randomization.

Karnataka has 5,311 PU colleges, and lakhs of students across the state are enrolled in science subjects, most of whom will take the practical exams.

The circular further states that students cannot take practical exams at the same colleges where the centres are located. Those students will be transferred to other centres for their exams. It also emphasizes that lecturers have the duty to ensure that students are well-prepared for the exams according to the practical syllabus.

KUPMA’s Opposition and Concerns

KUPMA, representing unaided PU colleges, has raised serious objections to the circular. They argue that the decision was made in the middle of the academic year without any prior discussion, deeming it “unscientific” and detrimental to the academic interests of students.

According to KUPMA, practical exams conducted in unfamiliar colleges will waste students’ time, and some centres may not even have the necessary infrastructure, such as fully equipped laboratories.

KUPMA’s Key Objections:

1. No prior discussion: The decision was made without consulting stakeholders, making it unfair to students and colleges.
2. Disruptive to students: Students’ names will be selected alphabetically, and logistical arrangements, such as seating charts and register numbers, will have to be changed.
3. Overlaps with other exams: The change may cause disruptions, especially with the JEE Mains exam scheduled around the same time.
4. Logistical challenges: Students will face difficulties with travel, meals, and other necessities while attending practical exams in external centres.
5. Infrastructure issues: Some external centres may lack the infrastructure or equipment that students are used to in their own colleges.

Key points of the Circular?

• Students of designated Practical Exam Centres cannot take exams at the colleges where they have studied.
• District-level deputy directors will recommend and identify exam centres for 2025.
• Students will be randomly assigned to these centres for practical exams.

The circular also reiterates that, for several years, external examiners have conducted practical exams smoothly in the students’ own colleges. Now, however, KUPMA describes the mid-year decision as “unscientific” and disruptive. KUPMA President Dr. M. Mohan Alva has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular, stating that it is causing unnecessary confusion for students and parents alike.

KUPMA Secretary Prof. Narendra L. Nayak added that the decision, taken without proper preparation, discussion, or guidance, has left students and parents in turmoil. He emphasized that the circular is unscientific, and if it is not withdrawn, the confusion will only escalate further.