It’s official: 60:40 evaluation pattern for 3-year LLB programme

MUMBAI: Mumbai University has decided to implement the 60:40 pattern of evaluation in the three-year LLB programme, a move opposed by most law students. At a meeting with board of studies for law with students’ organisations, the university decided to continue with its implementation. The August 24 circular on new evaluation pattern was kept on hold after students staged a protest last week.
Some students’ groups plan to move court against the university’s decision.
“Many colleges and the university do not have full-time faculty in law. It is not possible to implement the 60-40 pattern successfully. Many teaching faculty are practising lawyers. They teach in their spare time. They do not have enough time to assess papers. How will these teachers have time to assess projects and test papers for the 40-mark internal evaluation?” said Arun Khedia, a Siddharth College student. He said they may file a writ petition in court. The policy to hold semester-end exams for 60 marks and internal assessment for 40 marks was implemented for the three- and five-year LLB programmes.
He added that the pattern will give unnecessary power to colleges and will lead to corruption.
A university spokesperson said the university has decided to retain the policy as the decision was taken in the board of studies and the academic council. The policy to hold semester-end exam for 60 marks and internal assessment for 40 marks was implemented for the three-year and five-year LLB programmes. However, giving weightage of 40 marks to internal assessment in the three-year LLB was opposed by most students. “Many students, almost one-third are working, and will be unable to attend lectures on a regular basis,” said another student.
The implementation of the choice-based grading system will require continuous assessment throughout the semester for the 40 marks. Students were supposed to be evaluated on a periodical test in each semester for 10 marks and a project based on case studies, judgement analysis, for 20 marks, active participation in class for five and five more marks for overall conduct.