Semester System in Kashmir

 Dynamism is an essential feature of the individual lives and hence of nations. We face new challenges in our day-to-day life. In order to meet these challenges it is imperative to respond critically and bring in changes. But these changes must be more effective and efficient practically.

 University Grants Commission recommended introduction of semester system in the undergraduate courses to make academics more exciting and involve students in an overall learning process. On the recommendations of UGC, University of Kashmir introduced semester system in 2015 in place of its annual examination system.

 White introducing it in Kashmir, the unusual conditions and context of Kashmir have not been taken into consideration. In my opinion we are living in a conflict zone and also in such a geographical area whose climatic conditions are mostly unfavorable. It seems that it has been implemented rather in a hurry without serious deliberations upon its pros and cons. It has added chaos and confusion to the entire college education system. Instead of bringing innovation in the process of learning it has hindered its growth.

 This semester system has not only resulted in the loss of precious time of students but has also affected their mental health. Students are feeling worried and depressed as they think, rightly so, that they are heading to nowhere. 

Personally speaking, I took admission in April 2015 and was supposed to complete graduation in 2017 but I am still in the fourth semester. I think three years are enough lo judge this policy but unfortunately our university fails to decide whether this system is really profitable or not. Sincerely speaking our aim in life has become . to complete graduation. We have become more concerned about passing our examinations rather developing the habit of book reading or preparing for any competitive exam.

There is no doubt in the fact that the implementation of semester system has made academics more active in the sense that the learning process theoretically goes on throughout the year. But on the other hand it has made the whole learning process examination centered. In a year there were supposed to be two semesters each of six months but practically this takes a longer time to complete two semesters. Who can understand this better than us (I mean batch 2015)? It took us almost two and a half years to complete only three semesters.

 In Kashmir the academic session is practically reduced to just eight months due to various reasons such as law and order problems, climatic condition etc. If we also minus Sundays, Fridays, and the hart& days, what is left for the student? Severity of weather in winter months is the most affecting factor responsible for the failure of semester system in Kashmir Due to this it becomes impossible to conduct class work. It also becomes difficult to conduct examinations due to conflict like situation and consequent day in and day out hartals in Kashmir.

 If the course is not completed on time we wilt be rendered ineligible for PG entrances and we will be put in an uneven competition with our counterparts from Jammu. The question is not limited to these things only but this will also hit our job prospectus for the no fault of ours. 

Personally, as a student, I request administration of Kashmir University to take a step to save the future of thousands of students. Meanwhile everyone especially the administration should think and decide whether semester system is suitable for the valley where there are few classes conducted in a month.