I, a first-year student of Economics Honors at the Delhi University, strongly feel that the semester system should be introduced at the under-graduate level. I would like to mention a few reasons to support my stand. When compared with the annual system, the semester system would keep the students busy all year round with the same level of burden instead of piling up all the work at the end of the year. Thus, it would reduce the study load on the students and, in addition, inculcate in them the habit of regular study. Moreover, the students will be aware that procrastination with regard to assignments and projects will have a negative effect on their grades.

I also personally feel that under the annual scheme it was just a test of memory and information distilled which was never translated into knowledge or for practical application and  the semester system would encourage these. Under this system, examinations would be taken at the end of every semester. This has the advantage that the comprehension of the course contents and the evaluation period are closely linked to each other and that the examinations are spread out in a balanced manner over the academic year. In this manner, one would get a clear view of one’s academic achievements very early. Where can one make improvements? What are one’s shortcomings? This early feedback at the end of the first semester gives one the opportunity to adjust one’s study method and attitude towards work in the second semester. Moreover, students can clear the backlog in one or many subjects even after moving to the next semester.

Thus, in nutshell, the distinct advantage of the semester system is that it provides an opportunity to students for continuous learning, assessment and deep understanding of the subjects, better examination and greater involvement of teachers and students throughout the year. I wish this system was introduced earlier.