Overdue uniform grading system

The confusing grading systems sent a wrong signal to overseas university authorities about our standard of higher education itself, although in our view, marking system and standard of education are not one and the same thing. But it is understandable that in determining equivalence between degrees, foreign universities may be confused by the different markings. Our students could be at a disadvantage and sometimes they are. Even for the sake of the local corporate job market, it is highly essential that there is uniformity in the grading system.

Let's face it, even after uniformity is established in the grading system, we would still have the big agenda of bringing uniformity in the academic standards.

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The UGC draft proposal has an important recommendation for having an "external examiner" evaluate the examination script to which some VCs have had objections on the ground that it might create sessions jam. The nine-tier grading system has evoked some criticism as well. They are yet to decide on the timing of the introduction. The academic councils of different universities will now submit their draft proposals vis-a-vis the UGC's set of recommendations. It's encouraging for all stakeholders that a consultative method has been adopted to arrive at a consensus on these issues. We would urge them to complete the process in good time for the uniform grading system to be introduced in the next academic session.