Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) is all set to introduce choice-based credit system (CBCS) in all constituent and affiliated colleges from this academic session as recommended by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to bring qualitative improvement in higher education.

The new system will be implemented in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses from July.

CBCS, a semester-wise grading system, allows students to study interdisciplinary subjects along with their regular course work. For instance, a BSc student can choose to study a subject from commerce stream if he/she wishes. Besides, a student will henceforth be evaluated on the basis of both what he/she scores in the examination as well as the credit he/she earns by attending classes.

One credit will be equivalent to one hour of classroom teaching or two hours of practical/fieldwork.

"We are completing the necessary formalities for introduction of CBCS. To begin with, we must have a semester system. Right now, only postgraduate courses at VBU have semester system for the past five years. We will introduce the same in the undergraduate level from this academic session," said vice chancellor Gurdeep Singh, adding that other necessary changes in the syllabus had already been made.

At present, the varsity is gathering feedback from students and teachers through seminars, conferences etc. A seminar was held at Bokaro Steel City College recently during which vice chancellor Singh explained the nitty-gritty of the new system.

This apart, a meeting of principals of all constituent and affiliated colleges was also held at the VBU headquarters in Hazaribagh on May 14.

A student will get a credit certificate after completing each semester. Thus, even if a student has to suspend his education for a particular period of time due to unavoidable circumstances, he/she can continue the remaining course later.

"The system of education, which is being introduced across the country simultaneously, will offer the opportunity to take admission in any part of the country after completing a particular semester and pursue the remaining part of the course on the basis of the credits earned in the previous semester," Singh explained.

The new system will also ensure students attend classes regularly. "Otherwise how will he/she earn the necessary credits?" the vice chancellor pointed out.

Each undergraduate honours course will be of 140 credits - 84 for core subject and 56 for elective subject. Similarly, the undergraduate pass course will be of 120 credits -72 for core and 48 for elective. Postgraduate courses will of 80 credits each - 55 for core and 25 for elective.

Students will be also evaluated on a grading scale of one to 10 and awarded grades and not marks.

The semester-wise distribution of credits is yet to be decided and the final draft will be approved at the academic council meeting scheduled on June 10.