The diversification of degree-level science studies into specified areas such as B.Sc (biotech) or BSc (computer science), among others, has contributed to a steady decline in the results for the conventional science degree, ie BSc course. This was evident from the outcome of the first-year BSc exam declared by the University of Pune (UoP) on Monday. Barely 30 per cent of the 10,856 students, who appeared in the exam, were declared passed. This works out to 3,256 successful students as against 7,600 students who did not succeed.
V.B. Gaikwad, dean of science faculty at the UoP, explained that BSc is usually seen as the last resort by students who exhaust all other options like engineering, medical, dental, pharmacy, BSc biotech or computer science. “By the time they settle for a BSc seat, usually by end-August or early September, the students end up wasting a crucial period of their first year science studies,” said Gaikwad. This reflects in their overall showing, he added. The trend, however, reverses in the second- and third-year performance, he said.
According to Madhav Pendse, principal of SP College, the 30 per cent showing relates to those students who clear all the 12 subjects in their first attempt. Pendse said a sizeable chunk of the 7,600 students who did not figure among the successful candidates in this year’s results; get to proceed to the second year studies by way of allowed-to-keep-term (ATKT) provision. The provision is extended to those students who do not clear four or less subjects, he said.
Under existing norms, a student can not proceed to third-year science degree studies unless he/she clears the first-year exam. So, the ATKT-holder has to clear the first-year in October or at the following year March exams. Students failing in five or more subjects do not even qualify for the ATKT, said Pendse.
The university’s director for public relations Arvind Nerkar said that 709 of the successful candidates passed with distinction marks — above 75 per cent — while 1,391 students passed with first class marks — above 60 per cent score.
