Edu committee recommends open-book exams to address academic pressure after Aditya suicide

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In response to the tragic suicide of Aditya Prabhu, a B Tech student at Bengaluru's PES University, the Karnataka government assembled an expert committee.

This committee, led by Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor Dr Jayakar SM, recently submitted recommendations to the higher education department aimed at alleviating academic pressure and preventing student suicides.

The report proposes exploring the implementation of open-book examinations and replacing the conventional marks system with a grading system.

Notably, Visvesvaraya Technological University and Karnataka State Open University already employ openbook examinations for specific engineering courses in the state.

The committee, consisting of 11 members, urges the department to establish a committee to investigate the feasibility of introducing open-book examinations, drawing insights from successful practices worldwide.

Additionally, it advocates for the establishment of a Student Wellbeing Cell/Centre in every Higher Education Institute, both public and private.

Aditya Prabhu took his own life in July 2023, purportedly following an accusation of "malpractice" during a semester examination.

However, his parents alleged that mental harassment by the university management was a significant factor in Prabhu's tragic decision.

In response to his death, various student groups initiated the "Justice for Aditya Prabhu" movement, holding the university accountable for the circumstances leading to his suicide.