The University of Kashmir has taken a first of its kind initiative to enhance the quality of postgraduate and undergraduate exams by framing new guidelines for setting question papers.
The university revealed that it has initiated the process of creating a policy document that will ensure greater clarity and better conceptualization of questions. The Controller of Examinations proposed the idea and Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan has given her go-ahead to a proposal to constitute a broad-based committee of academics from the main and satellite campuses.
The committee is tasked with creating a policy document for setting question papers for various UG and PG exams. The primary objective is to set question papers in line with the syllabus, with a focus on enriching their content and language for easy comprehension by the examinees.
The Controller of Examinations, KU, Dr. Majid Zaman said, setting a question paper involves more than just asking questions; it is crucial to ensure the conceptual richness of the paper and its suitability for holistic evaluation of the students. The committee will also prepare a proper set of instructions for paper setters, including vocabulary, punctuation, and assembling and ordering of the questions. They will also provide clear instructions to the examinees.
The committee’s focus is to create question papers that discourage routine memorization and facilitate the evaluation of a student’s holistic and applied knowledge, rather than a purely all-bookish approach.
They will emphasize the importance of maintaining the academic level of the students while framing the questions.
The committee held its first meeting on Thursday and has been asked to submit its recommendations within a month. The university plans to involve academics from affiliated colleges of KU and some GMCs to broaden the panel’s representation.
In conclusion, the University of Kashmir’s initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the students’ overall learning experience and improve their evaluation standards. Once the committee recommendations are finalized and approved, the university will begin the necessary statutory amendments by the competent bodies.