Uniform calendar for colleges

BHUBANESWAR: To bring about academic uniformity and usher in better monitoring, the Higher Education Department on Friday announced a uniform academic calendar for all colleges and varsities under its jurisdiction. As per the calendar, examination of different degree courses of non-autonomous colleges would be held on a fixed date. Although the Plus Two Examination is held uniformly, Degree examination dates vary __ some hold it before summer vacation and some after it. Now, April 12 has been fixed as the date for first year, March 22 for second year and March 2 for third year Degree classes examination.  The calendar also puts the number of holidays at 72 a year. “The total number of holidays was 72 earlier too but we have effected certain changes so that individual principals do not concentrate the holidays towards the year-end which was happening in the past,” Director of Higher Education BP Nanda said. The colleges have been allowed a maximum of two days of reserve holidays.  Summer vacation will be from May 9 to June 16 in 2012. Similarly, Dussehra holidays will start from October 3 for ten days. Cultural activities, annual sports and functions of students’ unions and other societies will have to be held between January 9 and 21. At present, students’ union elections are being held on a uniform date across the State. This year’s polls were completed on September 29. Nanda said the uniformity will help the Department regulate affairs of colleges. “We are planning to hold a principals’ Conference wherein the performers will be identified basing on their contribution. An uniform calendar will help in this regard,” he added. Besides, the calendar will also ensure regular attendance of students because of a common fixture. The minimum criteria of 75 per cent attendance for taking examinations will be strictly adhered to beginning this academic calendar.  The Higher Education Department has already brought in reforms in the academic system through an academic management system. Under this admission into Degree and Plus Two colleges is being held through a common admission system which has been hosted on the portal.