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To improve the quality of engineering education, Anna University is all set to introduce a new section in the semester exam pattern from the academic year 2016-17. The new section is being introduced to test the analyzing capability of students, and the comprehension level of the subject. 

The decision in this regard has been taken after the university implemented the choice-based credit system for the 2015-16 batch and the same batch will appear for the new semester examination. Anna University official said the new pattern will have a third section comprises of 15 mark question. 

Currently the examination pattern involves two sections 'A' and 'B'. In section 'A', there are 10 two marks questions are drafted in which questions like definitions, reasoning, formulae. While in the section 'B', there are five 16 mark questions with internal choice. We will reduce the number of questions or the weight age of each question in this section, and introduce section 'C', said the university official.

The section 'C' will have one 15 mark question. The question will not focus on one specific unit or chapter but aims at testing the student comprehension on the subject say an official of the university examinations committee said.

Director of research, R M K Engineering College, Thiruvallur, K Manivannan said, The University’s decision will have a direct and positive impact on the placements. It also helps in improving student's performance in competitive postgraduate entrance exams like GATE, GRE, CAT etc. Since the question will cover the entire syllabus of the subject, it is essential for students to pay attention during lectures, he added. 

Apart from listening to lectures it is equally important that teachers cover the entire syllabus so that the students have the opportunity to do well in Section 'C'. A poor performance by the students in section 'C' will raise questions on the quality of lectures. 

Vanvarayar said that KCT had introduced this examination pattern in the previous academic year itself. Almost 40% of the questions are analytical in every question paper. And, as we are an autonomous institution, we could bring this change in the examination pattern, he said.

While the first semester exam showed poor results, we are determined to continue the pattern. And we have been able to boost the analytical capacity of our students and have improved their performance, he added.