To reduce burden on teachers and students,Mumbai Universitys Academic Council on Wednesday tweaked the 60:40 marking system for its degree courses. The new marking system will now be applicable for first,second and third year exams for commerce (BCom),and first and second year for arts (BA) and science (BSc) students. A review committee appointed by the varsity recommended doing away with one of the two class tests,as well as one of the two assignments /projects in each semester. The credit system gives 40 per cent weightage to internal assessment and 60 per cent to semester examinations. The internal assessment earlier comprised two tests of 10 marks each,and two assignments of 10 marks each. Five marks each were for attendance and conduct in class. According to the new recommendations,internal assessment will now comprise only one class test of 20 marks,and an assignment/ project of 10 marks. The marks for attendance and conduct remain unchanged. The review committee has come up with the suggestion that instead of two 10-mark internal assessment tests,a single test of 20 marks will be more effective and less stressful for both teachers and students, said Vinod Malale,MU spokesperson. Nod for colleges on PPP basis In a significant decision,the MU Academic Council has also given its nod for starting community colleges in association with Hindustan Coca-Cola Limited on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis. Eligibility for admission to community colleges will be HSC pass and there will be two courses on offer,a one-year certificate programme and a two-year associate degree course. The courses will be designed to provide students with 70% practical and 30% theoretical knowledge,and will offer placement and employment opportunities. The focus will be more on skills and practical knowledge. The Admission process will be like that of any other course. Corporates have shown a keen interest in the plan. After completing the two-year course,students will be eligible for admissions directly to final year Bachelor of Management Studies,Bachelor of Financial Markets,BCom,BA and BSc courses, said a senior MU official. MU has plans to collaborate with more top corporate companies to start community colleges. We will first make a policy pertaining to community colleges. We are looking at training 240 students each year under this programme, the official said.
