'Students need 75 pc as mark of distinction'

While those securing above 60 per cent and below 75 per cent will be regarded as first class, those securing 50 to 60 per cent will be considered as second class. Students scoring 40 per cent and above will be regarded as pass class.

The committee chaired by University of Mysore's Vice-Chancellor Prof V G Talawar also recommended that a student's class should be determined by the aggregate score obtained in all the semesters, forcing universities like Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) that declares the class based on the marks secured in the last four semesters to change their practice.

The committee was looking into standardising classes as universities in the state each have their own sealings to determine class of the student's taking exams in various programmes.

Bangalore University has set 75 per cent and above for FCD, while Kuvempu University has fixed 70 per cent and above for the class.

Similarly, universities such as VTU have fixed 35 per cent as pass class, while students of Kuvempu will have to secure 40 per cent to get pass class.

"We found that the inconsistencies in classifying results was proving troublesome for universities. That is why the Council decided to take a look into the matter," one vice-chancellor said on condition of anonymity.

However, there have also been concerns about following a single standard.

"Perhaps, we actually need more diversity as to what constitutes a FCD. Securing 75 per cent or more in a liberal arts course is typically more difficult than in science course, " the V-C adds.

The committee's recommendations will be discussed at the up and coming higher education council's meeting next month.

The other recommendations of the committee include awarding 1 per cent of grace marks (out of the total marks in a semester) in just one paper in a semester, double the course duration to pass the degree and 75 per cent compulsory attendance to appear for the exams.