Engineering aspirants all over are seen stressed because of the increasing level of competitiveness. Soon they surpass their class 10 board exams, most of them are seen outside popular coaching institutes preparing themselves for the common entrance exams to get admissions at top institutes. And once they secure their seats, the pressure only increases. In order to reduce this stress and make it more beneficial, the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) has accepted the recommendations sent in April-May this year for open book exams. Most likely from next year, the students will get an opportunity to appear for open book exam according to AICTE’s latest examination reform policies. Indian Students Are Overburdened! Not Just Study, Schoolchildren Spends More Time in Extra Classes & Co-curricular Activities. 

According to earlier reports, in May 2018, open book exam was first recommended for engineering students. If the recommendations come into force, the students would be allowed to carry their books, notes and other study material in the exam hall with them. Later in August 2018, AICTE invited suggestions from stakeholders in this matter. The affiliated universities and management have been carefully asked to choose the curriculum areas best suited for open book exams. Apart from open book exams, the advisory body has suggested multiple guidelines on how to set the question papers to better assess the students. Fake Engineering Colleges in India: 277 Such Institutes Across Nation, Delhi Tops With 66. 

Here are the other latest reforms recommended by AICTE

Mandatory Internships: According to TOI, AICTE has recommended 600-700 hours of internship for BE/BTech students and 450-500 hours for diploma courses. During this process, the undergraduate students will earn 14-20 credits and diploma students will score 10-14 credit points. Besides, as per the internship policy report, students can also earn credits for entrepreneurial activity, project work and seminar. The students can know the further details by visiting the new portal for internships launched by AICTE; aicteinternships.in.

Teachers Training Policy: Newly-appointed teachers will have to undergo induction courses at the time of joining and will also need to update themselves every year through in-service training programs which will be introduced by the management. Nearly 200 'Substandard' Engineering Colleges to Shut Down, Seats Will Drop by 80,000 This Year. 

The above policies including the open book exams are at present only recommendations from AICTE. If approved, the above moves are expected to shape the future of engineering education in India. Engineering colleges in Karnataka already praised AICTE’s suggested policies as the colleges had been demanding for open book exams for a long time now.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2018 08:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).