Bhubaneswar, Aug. 17: Utkal University has planned to implement a choice-based credit system (CBCS) in all the autonomous colleges affiliated to it.

Under the system, the students will have to appear in six half-yearly (semester) examinations instead of three annual examinations at the degree level.

The new system will be implemented in the colleges from the 2015-16 academic session, said varsity authorities.

This will facilitate the flow of funds for development of higher education under the Centre-sponsored Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). CBCS is a mandatory component of the scheme.

There are about 15 autonomous colleges in nine districts (Angul, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurdha, Nayagarh and Puri) across the state that are affiliated to Utkal University. These colleges will be covered under semester system.

Students of the autonomous colleges will be offered courses under CBCS and the university would conduct the final examination at the end of every semester. Under the new system, the students will have a wider choice of subjects and more flexibility.

Under the CBCS system, there is a mandatory provision of adequate number of teachers for each faculty.

The authorities have, therefore, decided to fill up the vacant posts of teachers at the earliest, said a varsity official.

While the state government has already decided to appoint 700 teachers, the academic council has suggested appointment of guest teachers to fill up vacant posts.

It has also emphasised on computerisation of all autonomous colleges and universities for timely completion of admissions, courses, examinations, evaluation and results.