Kashmir varsity keen on introducing exams with multiple choice questions

Bismah Malik

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 9

In order to avoid examination hassles, Kashmir University is likely to propose introduction of multiple choice question exam pattern at the undergraduate level in the forthcoming KU Council meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on April 13 which will be chaired by Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of KU, and will be attended by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed (Pro Chancellor) and Education Minister Naeem Akhter.

Official sources at KU told The Tribune that besides budget, infrastructure expansion and other issues, the KU Syndicate (which includes the Vice Chancellor and other top management officials) is keen on revamping the examination system of undergraduate college students in the Valley.

The KU top brass wants multiple choice questions pattern to be introduced at the undergraduate level like that of Common Entrance Test.

This, as per sources, is likely to minimise the expenditure of the university, including that of printing papers and paying the teachers for checking answer sheets. The introduction of MCQ type exam pattern will also allow the whole examination process to be swifter and more accurate.

“The undergraduate exam is a huge burden on the university and is an exhaustive process. The university has also not plugged in loopholes in the examination system. Hence, it may be a good idea to do away with subjective type question papers,” a research scholar said.

However, many students are crying foul, saying this system will not be a good step. “No undergraduate exam can be conducted in MCQ pattern. The KU authorities in order to lessen their financial burden are again putting students in trouble,” said Humaira Ali, a student.

Another student opined that three years of science and arts undergraduate studies could not be summed up in MCQ question papers.

“I would urge the Governor and the Chief Minister to go through all nuances of undergraduate as well as postgraduate entrance studies before opting for this change,” said Zubair, an MBA aspirant.

For & against

The undergraduate exam is a huge burden on the university and is an exhaustive process. The university has also not plugged in loopholes in the examination system. Hence, it may be a good idea to do away with subjective type question papers

A research scholar

No undergraduate exam can be conducted in MCQ pattern. The KU authorities in order to lessen their financial burden are again putting students in trouble

Humaira Ali, a student