BE, BTech: Anna University introduces experiential learning to higher semesters

Chennai: Anna University has decided to introduce experiential learning, including flipped classrooms, project-based learning, and demonstrations, for the third and fourth semesters from the 2026-27 academic year. Last year, it was introduced for the first and second semesters.

The academic council of Anna University approved the decision.

“In flipped classrooms, students will be asked to prepare questions for various concepts. For example, they have to prepare questions on the applications of Ohm’s law instead of just studying it. It will help them to understand the concepts better,” said V Kumaresan, registrar (in charge) of Anna University.

Further, students from all semesters will review the GATE, engineering service exam question papers during the internal exams.

“This will give an idea for engineering students about what questions are asked in these exams and how to prepare for them. They will analyse the previous five years’ questions relevant to their core subjects and prepare answers for their internal exams,” he added.

The university permitted colleges to offer two new BE, BTech programmes, including BTech in AI, BE in urban engineering, civil engineering with computer application, and BE in data sciences. Anna University will offer a new PG diploma in climate change and sustainability.

To help lateral entry for students who selected courses from other streams, the university allowed all colleges to conduct special classes for these additional courses and conduct end-semester exams.

“Lateral entry students admitted under the regulations 2019 have to undergo additional courses to equip them with the courses that they did not study during the first year of the respective UG programme. Some of the students faced hurdles in understanding the concepts of additional courses and also were not able to successfully secure a minimum pass mark, even after many attempts, due to different disciplines in diploma courses,” Anna University said in a resolution passed at the academic council.

It also asked colleges to pay a sum of Rs 1,500 as remuneration to the faculty members taking these special classes.