VTU to introduce open book exams in select engineering courses

The system will be introduced in streams such as civil, mechanical, electrical and architecture. A detailed circular to be released soon, says VC Prof Karisiddappa. 

The Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) will introduce open-book exams for some of the engineering courses from the current academic year. The system will be introduced in streams such as civil, mechanical, electrical and architecture. According to university authorities, an official communication will be issued once the board of studies submits its recommendations. As per a report published in Deccan Herald, VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof Karisiddappa said, “We have directed the Board of Studies to recommend on the streams where open book exams can be introduced.”

The open book examinations cannot be introduced in all streams. As explained by the VC, in certain streams of engineering, students are expected to design components and elements. “In streams like mechanical, civil and electrical, students have to design components, elements and structure-based designs. While designing, they will be given handbooks and BS codes for reference,” said Karisiddappa.  

With the introduction of open book exams, teachers will be told to ask innovative questions for which students can refer to codes and handbooks. According to subject experts, this will help students in understanding the subject and concepts better.  

“This will definitely help students in understanding the subjects better and put an end to rote learning,” said a senior professor from an engineering college in Bengaluru. Speaking about extending the open book exam facility to other streams in engineering, the VC said, “Open book exams can’t be conducted for all streams. We will issue a detailed circular about it soon.”

First state-run university to introduce open book exam system 

This will be applicable from the current academic year and students aspiring to get admissions to engineering courses this academic year will benefit from this. Currently, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) follow the open book exam system. This is the first time in Karnataka that a state-run university is introducing it. 

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