Nursing students demand change in valuation system; results dip in new system

MANGALORE: The fortunes of the nursing students in the state have nose-dived after Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) implemented new valuation system scrapping the old challenge evaluation last year.
Students allege the existing improper evaluation system has resulted in the pass percentage going down to a mere 33% this year, from a high of 70% recorded last year.
They have urged Medical Education minister Ramdas to implement challenge evaluation which was in vogue till March 22, 2010 and also have centralized evaluation.
Under challenge evaluation students could challenge the valuation and it would be re-valuated by another examiner. The procedure adopted under the new revaluation system is that the answer script is evaluated at two stages that is -- general valuation and revaluation. At the initial stage of general valuation basically the answer scripts are evaluated by two valuators or four valuator as per ordinance governing valuation. Thereafter in case of any deviation in the two valuations in general valuation is 15% or above out of the maximum marks such answer script shall be referred to third or fifth valuator as the case may be who are chosen from the approved panel for the revaluation of such papers. The students also say that answer scripts is referred to third revaluation only in case of huge difference between the two valuations of at least 15% or more out of the total marks. Since the introduction of the new system of revaluation the failed candidates have lost an opportunity of challenging the valuation of the answer script in a case if it is found that the valuation and awarding of the marks is not in consonance with the performance. Students said the system was so erroneous that a CET rank holder had failed this year in one of the subjects.
Dr Sriprakash, VC, RGUHS, told TOI that the challenge system was removed as per the directions of the state High Court. "We have constituted an Examination Reformation Committee a fortnight back. The students grievances in the present system of evaluation would be studied and redressed adequately," he assured.