The newly introduced semester system at Patna University is a hit among students, benefiting from regular classes and timely evaluation of their academic progress.

“In the older annual system, we were evaluated only once a year. In the semester system, we would be evaluated continuously,” said Amitesh Kumar, a first-year postgraduate history student at Darbhanga House. He added: “We have to regularly submit assignments to teachers. We also have to face internal assessment twice in each semester. It keeps us on our toes and helps us study better.”

The two-year postgraduate courses at the university have been divided into four semesters. The students are awarded marks not only on their academic progress but also punctuality, regularity and conduct.

Like Amitesh, Purnima Kumari, another postgraduate history student, is all praises for the new system. “Only one month into the new system we can see the results,” she said. “More students are attending classes. Our seniors told us that earlier, not more than 50 per cent students attended class. Now, more than 75 per cent students come for classes regularly.”

Students can also reap the advantage of a new and revised syllabus. Sources said the new syllabus had been framed considering the contemporary and cutting-edge research at top universities. For instance, in history, students are studying a new paper on society and economic development through the ages. Another chapter on the Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilisations has been introduced.

However, everyone is not happy with the resource at the university to conduct classes under the semester system.

V.S. Dubey, a senior geology teacher, said: “The university is functioning with just half the strength of teachers. We are likely to face problems in the coming months.” A senior varsity official said: “The teachers’ appointment is not in the hands of the university but the state government.”