The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has come under the spotlight due to a controversy after a large number of BSc Computer Science students were declared failed in multiple colleges for subjects like Java, Theoretical Computer Science and Blockchain Technology. Several students have also reported being marked absent despite appearing for the exams and giving their full effort.
The results of BSc Computer Science students, which were declared on January 27, on the official SPPU website, have led to widespread anger and frustration among students. They claim that the university is not taking responsibility for the discrepancy in marks. They add that the university has not provided any corrective action so far and fear that they will be forced to pay the fees for revaluation. Some students also claim that it is a deliberate attempt by the university to generate revenue.
A student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, fearing that his statement to the media on the issue could hamper his chance of getting his marks corrected, said, “We studied hard and gave our exams sincerely, yet we have been marked absent or failed without any valid reason. If we apply for revaluation, it will cost us money despite it being the university’s mistake. SPPU must take responsibility. We demand an immediate re-evaluation of the results without any additional fees.”
Sagar Pawar, a student of Pharmacy, said he has also faced a similar issue with his results. He stated, “My college is in Jamkhed and is affiliated to SPPU. My results for the eighth semester showed ‘fail’ in all four main subjects. There is also a discrepancy in the marks of the seventh semester. We have been called by the university and we demand a re-evaluation of the results.”
Akshay Kamble, Secretary, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), said, “Mahesh Kakade has retired. He was a competent officer who brought control over examinations and marks-related irregularities during his tenure. The position of examination director should be immediately filled on a full-time basis. As of now, officials have been given additional charges due to which holding a person accountable becomes difficult. Alternatively, until a new appointment is made, he should be assigned the responsibilities of acting director.”
Meanwhile, speaking to The Free Press Journal, SPPU Pro-VC Dr Parag Kalkar said, “We haven’t received any such complaints and I’m not aware of the students who are being called to the university for the correction. We have more than 7 lakh students doing BSc under SPPU, and if there are any irregularities regarding marks, we will appoint a committee to check and reevaluate.”
