Mysuru: A two-day training-cum-workshop on Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and Continuous Assessment of Grading Pattern (CAGP) for undergraduate programmes began at Vijnana Bhavana in Manasagangothri this morning. The University of Mysore (UoM)  has decided to implement CBCS-CAGP system from the academic year 2018-19.

Over 300 delegates including Principals of Colleges coming under the University, academic Heads, Heads of Departments of Commerce and Science streams and CBCS Nodal Officers are attending the first day of the workshop. Tomorrow, the workshop will be held for Arts stream.

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. J.A.K. Tareen, former Vice-Chancellor, Kashmir and Pondicherry Universities. Prof. Yashwanth Dongre, Director, PMEB and Dr. S. Srikantaswamy, Director of College Development Council (CDC), who is also the convener of the CBCS-CAGP system, were present.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Tareen said that the University has to implement new concepts to bring out the best among students. “Unfortunately the students of Mysore University have not excelled either in studies or in research when compared to other Universities in India and abroad. There is lack of performance among students and the University too is not ready to accept new challenges,” he regretted.

Speaking to Star of Mysore ahead of the workshop, Dr. S. Srikantaswamy said that the workshop aims to allay all fears of colleges and faculties regarding the CBCS-CAGP system.

“The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it mandatory for all Universities in the country to implement the system and in Karnataka, the UoM is the first University to implement the system in the degree level. Till now, we were following conventional education system and a set pattern. At present there is confusion among colleges and faculties regarding the new system. This is the precise reason why we are organising the workshop to sensitise the Principals and faculties,” he said.

On why the University was implementing the CBCS-CAGP system in a tearing hurry, Dr. Srikantaswamy said that the University could not do it before due to the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct for the recently held Assembly elections.

“We had kept the regulation and modalities of implementation ready in March this year itself but we could not conduct the Academic Council and Syndicate meetings due to the poll conduct. Now again, the Graduates and Teachers Council polls will be held on June 8. The Syndicate and Academic Council will now meet on June 18 and 20 and the CBCS-CAGP system will be approved at the meetings and this will be the official nod to implement the new system,” he said.

Earlier too, the University had conducted workshops for Principals on CBCS-CAGP system in January and they are aware of it. “We have now invited Principals, faculty and the Nodal Officers for the workshop so that the system can percolate and come into force. I assure the colleges that confusions, doubts and apprehension will be cleared at the workshops,” he said.

JSS College on Ooty Road, an autonomous institution, has already successfully implemented the CBCS-CAGP system as per global standards, Dr. Srikantaswamy added.