Internal assessment at DU

NEW DELHI: Authorities at Delhi University seem to be gearing up for some tough talk on the issue of internal assessment for first-year students.
The deadline for colleges to submit their internal assessment records to the university is April 7. However, according to officials of the examination branch, only three colleges have submitted their internal assessment marks so far.
Internal assessment had been introduced for first-year students as part of the academic reforms in 2003.
The university has now constituted a special committee to monitor and analyse internal assessment records being submitted by colleges. The committee will scrutinise the data and see if any striking discrepancies exist in marks.
"Some kind of parity must be maintained in the internal and external marks being scored by a student. Statistical analysis of the data will be done to spot any striking variations," said dean of colleges, Kiran Dattar.
Colleges are also being asked to submit question papers of their in-house exams, and the corresponding marking schemes that have been used for evaluation. Officials say answer scripts of the mid-term exams may also be asked for if required.
"Our aim is to ensure there are no discrepancies in internal assessment records. The statistical analysis may also help us identify interesting academic trends across different colleges," said DU controller of examinations, B S Garg.
The monitoring committee is also contemplating the course of action to be taken if sharp discrepancies are found in a particular college''s records.
Officials say the move will put to rest any inhibitions about the credibility of the internal assessment system.