Himachal Pradesh to introduce semester system from 2013-14

Implementing the guidelines of Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Himachal Pradesh government has decided to switch over to semester system for undergraduate course from 2013-14 academic session.

The academic and executive council of Himachal Pradesh University have already approved the proposal and the examination schedule, number of teaching days in each semester, curriculum revision and parameters for evaluation of students work are being finalised, officials said.

Instead for three annual examinations for graduation, the students would now appear in six half yearly examination for getting degree in Humanities, Science and Commerce courses.

There are about 150 degree colleges, including 66 government degree colleges, affiliated to Himachal Pradesh University which would be arrested by semester system, they added.

Due to difficult topography and variance in weather conditions, the colleges close for summer and winter vacations at different periods of time. While the colleges in mid and higher hills close for winter vacations, the colleges in lower hills are closed for vacations during the summers.

The semester system would be introduced for B.A, B.Sc and B.Com first year students from this year and switchover would be completed in next three years, official sources said.

The students will be offered courses under choice-based credit system and the final examination will be conducted by Himachal Pradesh University at the end of every semester.

The Central University pattern would be followed for credit system for various courses and students will have wider choice and flexibility in subjects they want to study and it will help bridge the prevailing divide between humanities and science apparent under the current system.

Academic schedule would be prepared in a manner that it ensured a minimum 90 teaching days in each semester.