No more mid-semester exams in IIT Delhi

The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, under the leadership of director Rangan Banerjee, has overhauled its evaluation system by eliminating a set of mid-semester exams, aiming to alleviate students’ stress levels.

This decision was prompted by a series of student suicides at various IITs, sparking a larger conversation about the potential impact of the curriculum and demanding study schedules on students’ mental well-being.

In the past, the institution utilized two exam sets per semester: final exams at the semester’s conclusion and multiple continuous assessment mechanisms. After conducting an internal survey and collecting input from both students and faculty, the institute has chosen to eliminate one set of exams. Going forward, students will face two exam sets alongside regular evaluations, as disclosed by Banerjee in an interview with PTI.

The shift was driven by the recognition that the exam timetable was overly congested, leading to heightened stress for students. This alteration has garnered approval from the Senate and is being executed in the current semester. The two exams will collectively account for a maximum of 80% of the overall grade.

In a meeting held in April, the IIT Council recognized the necessity for a robust grievance handling system, enhanced psychological counseling services, and measures to alleviate pressure, fear of failure, and rejection among students. The gathering extensively addressed the concerns of student suicides, alleged bias, and the imperative of safeguarding students’ mental health.

(With PTI inputs)