PTU introduces major reforms in examination system

Jalandhar, November 17, 2013: Punjab Technical University (PTU) has announced major initiatives with an objective to reform the examination system for Distance Education Programme (DEP).
According to Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Technical University (PTU), “Our endevour is to bring the standard of education of DEP at par with that of regular courses in PTU affiliated colleges. And for this to happen we need to have parity between the two at all levels possible – be it the curriculum, question papers or the evaluation. We are in the process of redesigning the DEP curriculum as well as the courses. We are conducting the DEP exams concurrently with those of the regular courses and even the results for both shall be declared together. Besides this, we are carrying out major reforms when it comes to examination system.”
There were malpractices reported in the DEP examination system earlier and these reforms are targeted at ironing them out. Earlier schools were made the examination centers but now each examination centre has been audited to ensure that they conform to the norms set by the University in terms of infrastructure like toilets, IT bandwidth, drinking water, and adequate examination staff. In Punjab, the centers are PTU affiliated colleges or those affiliated to other reputed universities etc. Compromised exam centers where cheating took place last year or those that did not follow the standard practices have been dropped. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have been drafted and implemented for conduct of accurate, fair and auditable examinations.
Leaking of question papers has been almost eliminated as the paper is transmitted electronically to the centers only one hour before where they are then printed instantly on high speed printers. Examination answer papers are properly coded and a unique computer scan-able bar code is being generated centrally by the University and sent for affixing on each answer sheet. Photographic attendance sheets are sent in advance to each exam centre so there is no impersonation by the candidates. DG Police of all states round the country have been alerted of the impending exams and addresses of all exam centers have been forwarded to them. They will ensure that areas around the exam centers are peaceful and disciplined during the exam period.
Observers and flying squad teams have been formulated to visit each exam centre to ensure the exams are conducted in a fair and clean manner. Training of exam centre personnel has been carried out in all centers to ensure a standard way of exam conduct. This will ensure faster and accurate declaration of the final results. Ineligible students who have not submitted their qualifying documents have been barred from sitting from further exams. The email ids and phone numbers of senior university officials have been widely publicized so that students are not at the mercy of the Learning Centers and can directly have their grievances redressed. A database of all students’ contacts has been created so that the University can directly interact with the students in future for accurate and speedy dissemination of information.
Study material for examinations (SIMS) has been put up on the website and also distributed though CDs so that students do not have to wait for the hard copy to reach them. Degrees will be provided within 15 days of the declaration of results to the concerned college or learning center. Thus, students shall no longer have the requirement for applying for provisional degree in order to apply elsewhere. The entire system shall be e-enabled i.e. students can apply for documents electronically and the University shall provide the same to them electronically within the stipulated time.