IIT Delhi Eases Student Stress: Drops One Set of Mid-Semester Exams, Reports Say
New Delhi: Responding to the concerning increase in student suicides within IITs, the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi has taken significant steps to overhaul its evaluation process. The institute has opted to eliminate a set of mid-semester exams, aiming to alleviate student stress and enhance their mental well-being. The new evaluation approach will prioritize continuous assessments and projects, reducing the heavy reliance on exams. This modification is anticipated to provide students with increased flexibility and diminish the undue pressure associated with performing well on a single examination, according to a report from the news agency PTI.
Providing Respite for Students
The decision to remove a set of mid-semester exams is a pivotal stride in alleviating student stress. Such exams often augment the already existing academic workload and pressure, causing additional anxiety among students grappling with their studies.
Director Declares the Modification
Director Rangan Banerjee said, “We have changed how we handle tests. “In the past, we administered two sets of exams each semester: final exams at the end of the term and other continuous assessments. We’ve decided to cut one set of tests after receiving comments from staff and students as well as from an internal poll. As a result, in addition to regular evaluations, there will now be two sets of exams, Director Banerjee told PTI in an interview.
“We noticed that our exam schedule was overly jam-packed,” he continued. Therefore, the Senate has approved our decision to lighten the load and stress on students. The new regulation will go into effect this semester, with the two exams receiving a combined maximum weight of 80%.
Addressing the Escalating Cases of Student Suicides
Addressing the distressing trend of student suicides, Director Banerjee remarked, “Students admitted to IITs have undergone a highly competitive selection process. They enter an environment teeming with exceptionally intelligent peers. We must guide them in managing setbacks and disappointments. This is a focal point of our efforts.”
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Banerjee added, “Our counseling resources have been expanded. In our hostels, both student and professional counselors are available. Our objective is to identify students whose academic performance is deteriorating so that we can provide targeted mentorship.”
Anticipated Positive Outcomes
The expectation is that these alterations will contribute to an enhanced mental health environment at IIT Delhi, fostering a more supportive learning atmosphere for all students.