ISLAMABAD, Sept 22: The Higher Education Commission has decided to review various modes of examinations being practised in the public sector universities.

In this regard, a meeting was held here on Monday, which was presided over by the HEC chairman, Dr Attaur Rehman, said a statement.

The meeting decided to constitute a special committee to look into the issue.

During the meeting, Dr Ata said there was a dire need to look at the entire examination system that was presently conducted in higher education institutions because it reflected on overall national development of the country.

Efforts to improve stature of faculty have already been initiated with the launching of a large number of doctoral programmes, he said, adding that this would start bearing fruits within a couple of years.

“We have different types of examination systems and there is need to form a committee for a certain period of time to examine the existing examination systems and suggest new proposals to improve it further”.

The recommendations of this committee should then be circulated among the vice-chancellors before their implementation, the HEC chief said.

He said at present, there was semester system in some universities while some follow annual system. Proper coverage of the subject should be the main issue, he added. He said there should be pressure on both students and teachers to cover the entire contents of the subject.

He said rote-learning was being encouraged but when such students came at their own, they face problems in their practical life regarding application and fundamental issues and principles.

“Therefore, the examination system should be formulated in such a manner which encourages critical thinking.” The question papers, he said, should be internationally compatible and the system should be such in which the university itself should find out difficulties in its system and identify possible solutions.

A modified evaluation system is required, which would give us manpower of the level required and that is internationally compatible and not a burden on the society, another official present on the meeting said. Regarding terms of reference for the committee formed on the occasion to review the examination system, he said, the committee should look into the present state of affairs while the universities should also deliberate on various issues among their faculty also. He said the committee will finalize the objectives and terms of reference in line with the suggestions received from its members and the subcommittees. process, he added.