With the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) in higher education, experts have demanded to re-introduce the semester system in under graduation programme in Madhya Pradesh. Experts said that Madhya Pradesh is the second state in India having NEP-based education in higher classes but its impact is almost nil among the students due to the annual exam pattern. They said to re-start the semester system that would provide maximum benefit to the students through NEP. For past six years, universities and colleges in state are following annual exam pattern in UG programmes. Recently, co-ordination committee meeting was held under presidency of Governor Mangubhai Patel where experts and officials discussed to re-introduce the semester exam pattern on under-graduate (UG) level.

 

Department of Higher Education (DHE) had also started drafting the proposal during year 2023 but it could not see the day light due to Vidhan Sabha elections. After formation of new Government in State, experts are raising their voice to discuss the proposal and review the impact of semester system and related suggestions. Sources said that DHE would soon send its proposal to the Government for re-introducing semester system in under-graduation programme. Semester system was introduced to the UG programme of universities in MP during year 2007-08 and at the time, Madhya Pradesh was first state in country having this system.

 

After introducing semester system in traditional degree programme like BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, M.Sc, M.Com, etc, various opposition was registered on university and college level. There were also demonstration to stop this system. University and college staff opined that semester system increased their work load and they kept involved in exam related responsibilities throughout year. Delayed academic session was supposed to be main result of the semester system. Talking about the issue, Professor Anand Sharma, Secretary, Regional Government Collegiate Association said, “Semester system provides better quality of education among students and it promotes students to the next level based on their skills and knowledge. This system helps students to break the difficulty level of chapter and all benefits of NEP. Semester system is moderate education system.”