Patna University would introduce changes in the syllabi of its undergraduate and postgraduate courses shortly.

The step is aimed at the introduction of choice-based credit system (CBCS) as mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The process would start with social sciences and later other subjects would be taken up. A meeting of social science faculty was held at Patna University on Wednesday to discuss the changes. Heads from nine social science departments and two external members - Kiranpreet Kaur from Punjab University and Damodar Singh from Magadh University - attended the meet.

According to Ran Vijay Singh, dean, social science, the new syllabus would be more updated and the respective heads of departments have been asked to prepare the syllabus keeping in mind the various competitive examinations conducted by different agencies. Ran Vijay said: "Introducing topics such as science and technology in ancient history which will probe the facts about the use of technology and chemicals in ancient structure many of which still exist."

The new topics will cover use of technology and chemicals in ancient structure such as Asokan pillars, ancient temples such as Khajuraho, Konark Sun temples and others ancient sites, which make the structure strong and still existing. History students will study what the use of technology and chemical in construction of these ancient structure. While the Asokan pillars were constructed in the 3rd century BC, the Khajuraho and Konark temples were built between 900 and 1300.

Similarly, in science subjects, too, modern and updated topics would be added. M.N. Sinha, a senior teacher in the geology department of Patna Science College, said: "The UG and PG courses of geology will be as such that students preparing for competitive examinations such as National Eligibility Test (NET), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Geological Survey of India (GSI) do not feel difficulties in preparation." Similarly, use of computer and statistics in geology will be added to the subject. All subjects will have some new and modern topics, too.

As Wednesday's meet was of the social science faculty, the heads of different departments were asked to prepare their respective syllabus and submit to respective deans. The next meet of the social science faculty is likely to be held in the fourth week of September.

For revising different syllabi, Patna University has constituted different faculties such as science, social science, commerce, law and education. Under different faculties, there will be board of studies for different subjects. The revision of syllabus also gains importance as from next year the university is planning to introduce CBCS as per the UGC directive. Sources said that as per the UGC directive for implementation of the CBCS, all universities would have uniform syllabus.