Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/August 13
With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) by Panjab University, Chandigarh, students have found themselves facing an increasing academic burden. While the intent behind NEP is to offer holistic and multidisciplinary education, the introduction of new compulsory components such as the Multidisciplinary Course (MDC), Value Added Course (VAC), and Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) has brought unintended challenges, especially for postgraduate students.
These additional courses, though well-meaning, are being experienced as an overload rather than enrichment. Students, already balancing core subject demands, now have to prepare for three extra papers, often unrelated to their main field of study. As a result, many have reported that their focus is being diverted, leading to a noticeable decline in academic performance in their major subjects.
The pressure of scoring in these extra papers — which currently follow a marks-based evaluation system — adds to student stress. A more viable and student-friendly solution would be to implement a grading system (e.g., A, B, C) instead of traditional marks for MDC, VAC, and SEC papers. This would still encourage participation and learning while reducing the pressure of scoring high marks in non-core subjects.
The primary goal of education should be meaningful learning and skill development, not burdening students with excessive assessments. The administration is urged to reconsider the current evaluation format and adopt a more flexible, learner-friendly approach in line with the spirit of NEP.
By switching to a grading system for these auxiliary papers, students can better concentrate on their core academics, ultimately improving overall results and maintaining the academic integrity of their chosen disciplines.
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