PATNA:Â Patna University (PU) is all set to introduce semester system from the next academic session (2011-12). Initially, this new system would be started at the post-graduation (PG) level.
The university has already directed all its PG departments to reconstitute their statutory boards of courses and studies at the earliest so that the syllabi of courses based on semester system may be approved by them. The board of studies consists of a maximum of seven internal members (teachers of the department) and two external subject experts. After their formal approval by the board of studies, the syllabi would be placed before the Academic Council of PU for its nod.
PU has made necessary arrangement for meeting the travel expenses of external subject experts visiting the university for attending the board meeting. The examination section has reportedly agreed to provide the funds.
However, several PG departments of PU are facing difficulties in introducing the semester system due to acute dearth of faculty members. In semester system, sufficient number of teachers would be required to ensure regular teaching and constant internal assessment of students. Besides, PU examination section, which is already facing acute dearth of staff, will have a tough task ensuring regular conduct of examinations and publication of results under the new semester system. At present, the university holds annual examinations. But, with the introduction of semester system, it will have to hold examinations every six months. Each PG course to be divided into four semesters would have 30 percent marks for internal assessment, said PU science faculty dean A K Sinha.