After the Diwali vacation, Saurashtra University has officially started the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) semester examinations from today, marking a significant shift in its academic assessment pattern. This year’s key highlight: for the first time, the computer exam in BCA starts in practical, replacing the long-standing theory-based evaluation system.
According to university officials, the change is expected to bring major relief to students and improve fairness in results. Around 50,228 students are appearing for exams across 115 centers, including both undergraduate semester 5 and postgraduate semester 3 courses.
Major Change: Computer Exam in BCA Now Practical-Based
Until last semester, students pursuing the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) had to answer practical subjects in written theory papers. This approach was widely criticized for not truly reflecting practical computer skills.
Responding to student feedback and internal evaluation reports, Saurashtra University has now replaced the theory-based assessment with hands-on practical exams conducted in computer labs.
The decision follows an investigation that revealed a large number of capable students had failed earlier due to the mismatch between course content and evaluation methods.
Students and faculty have welcomed this shift, calling it a much-needed modernization in the academic system.
Over 50,000 Students Begin Semester Exams
The university’s controller of examinations confirmed that UG Semester 5 and PG Semester 3 exams began on Monday across 115 examination centers in the region.
Among these, around 14,465 students are from BA Semester 5 (regular), and 2,160 are external candidates.
In BCom, 11,980 regular and 385 external students are participating.
For professional courses, 6,110 students from BCA, 3,022 from BBA, and 2,290 from LLB programs are taking part.
At the postgraduate level, 1,675 MCom regular and 1,680 MCom external students are also writing their exams.
In total, students from 37 different courses are appearing this semester.
Strict Monitoring and Anti-Cheating Measures
Saurashtra University has implemented strong vigilance systems to ensure transparency and prevent malpractices during exams.
According to Dr. Manish Shah, the University’s In-Charge Controller of Examinations, every examination center is equipped with CCTV cameras and monitored by appointed supervisors and 89 on-site observers.
The entire network is being continuously observed to identify and prevent any unfair activity.
Officials emphasized that even a single case of malpractice would be dealt with seriously to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Digital Paper Delivery: A Step Towards Modernization
Another significant innovation this year is the university’s transition to digital question paper delivery.
Instead of sending physical (hard-copy) exam papers, Saurashtra University now uses an email-based soft-copy delivery system, ensuring both speed and security.
This system reduces logistical delays and minimizes the risk of paper leaks or distribution errors.
According to principals across affiliated colleges, this digital approach has streamlined the entire process and helped exams start on time.
Two Examination Sessions Every Day
Each day, examinations are being conducted in two sessions — the morning session from 10:30 AM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM.
Colleges across the Saurashtra region have prepared computer labs, seating arrangements, and surveillance setups to accommodate large numbers of students while maintaining discipline and fairness.
Dr. Snehal Kotak, Principal of Kansagara College (affiliated to Saurashtra University), shared that nearly 250 female students from her college are participating in the exams.
She praised the university’s digital initiatives and the move toward practical evaluation, calling it a “forward-looking and student-friendly reform.”
Students Appreciate the Shift to Practical Exams
Many students expressed happiness over the university’s decision to conduct computer-based practical exams instead of theory tests.
Riya Kapuriya, a BCA Semester 5 student, said,
“Before Diwali, our internal exams were already completed, and the vacation allowed us time to prepare. Now, having the practical exam in the lab is a big relief. Writing practical concepts in theory format was difficult. This new method feels fair and more in line with what we actually study and practice.”
She added that taking exams directly on computers makes it easier to demonstrate technical understanding, especially for students planning careers in areas like graphics, design, or software development.
The Trigger: Earlier Failures Exposed the Flaws
The transformation came after a serious issue surfaced during the BCA Semester 4 results, declared in July 2025.
Out of 6,091 students, around 1,450 failed, and most of them failed only in computer-practical subjects coded CS-22, CS-23, and CS-24.
An internal investigation by the university — prompted by media reports and student appeals — found that the practical subjects were being evaluated through theory exams, forcing students to memorize rather than perform tasks.
This outdated approach caused even intelligent students to score poorly.
Following the report, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Utpal Joshi intervened and directed that all future BCA practicals be conducted in actual laboratory settings.
As a result, from this semester onward, all BCA practical subjects will be assessed practically across every semester, making the evaluation more skill-oriented and aligned with the digital industry’s real-world demands.
Why the Change Matters for BCA Students
Experts in computer education say this reform is long overdue.
The previous theory-based approach was contrary to the goals of computer application programs, which are meant to test practical abilities such as coding, debugging, and interface design.
“By introducing practical-based testing, universities are aligning their curriculum with global academic standards,” said an education analyst from Rajkot.
He added that this shift will help graduates compete better in international markets, especially in countries like the UK, US, and Canada, where applied learning is a key part of technology education.
This change also brings Saurashtra University’s academic structure closer to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations, which emphasize skill-based evaluation and digital competence.
Impact Beyond BCA: Model for Other Courses
Education experts believe that Saurashtra University’s decision could inspire other Indian universities to adopt similar models for skill-based programs.
Courses like BBA, BSc (IT), and MCA could soon see reforms where theoretical evaluation is replaced with practical assessments.
As industries increasingly demand hands-on expertise in technology, this reform ensures that students graduate with real-world capabilities instead of rote knowledge.
Ensuring Fairness and Equal Opportunity
The university’s approach ensures that all students — regardless of college location or resources — are evaluated on the same standards.
CCTV monitoring, centralized digital question paper distribution, and supervisor reporting create a transparent and tamper-proof process.
Observers say this structure significantly reduces academic stress and eliminates unfair advantages or paper leaks that were occasionally reported in previous sessions.
What Students Can Expect Going Forward
For BCA students, this transition marks a turning point.
Starting now, all future computer-related papers — including programming, database management, and computer networks — will be tested through live practicals.
Students will have to demonstrate their knowledge directly on systems under exam conditions.
This format not only tests their understanding but also prepares them for real-world tasks expected by employers and international institutions.
As one university official stated,
“We are moving from theoretical memorization to applied demonstration. The idea is to make education functional and globally competitive.”
Broader Educational Reforms After Diwali
Post-Diwali, Saurashtra University has resumed academic operations with a renewed focus on modernization, discipline, and digital transformation.
The administration confirmed that it plans to expand the digital monitoring network to all departments by next year and introduce AI-powered exam evaluation systems to reduce human bias.
This broader move is part of a vision to make the university a model for transparent and technology-driven education across India.
Conclusion: A New Era of Practical Learning
The start of computer exam in BCA practical format is more than a procedural change — it symbolizes a progressive shift toward realistic, performance-based education.
Students are now being evaluated on what they can actually do, not just what they can write.
Saurashtra University’s initiative has been widely appreciated by students, parents, and academicians alike, setting a new benchmark for universities across the country.
As the exams continue under strict surveillance and digital systems, this transformation is expected to not only improve pass rates but also enhance the quality of computer education in India.
In a world where digital skills define success, Saurashtra University’s decision ensures that every BCA student steps out of the classroom ready for the global stage.
