DU to rectify relative grading under CBCS following protests

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

According to agitating 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 now have to score more than 100 per cent marks to get the top O (outstanding) grade in some subjects.

The examiners will now have to convert absolute marks into letter grades and grade points through a UGC-devised formula.

The Executive Council members of the varsity have also raised objections, 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, 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 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.

Saying that CBCS allows a "cafeteria approach", University Grants Commission (UGC) had in 2014 asked all central universities to implement it from the ensuing academic session.

CBCS allows students 'seamless mobility' across higher education institutions along with transfer of course credits.

The debate regarding CBCS intensified last year as a section among the academic fraternity rejected the proposed reforms in the education system as a "crackdown on varsities' autonomy".

Despite opposition from a section of students and teachers, DU had gone ahead with the CBCS implementation last year saying it has been "mandated" by UGC and the varsity is helpless in this regard.