Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. (AU Official Website)
It comes as a shocker that the average pass percentage of undergraduate courses in the state-run Andhra University and Adi Kavi Nannaya (AKN) University was as low as 18 and 15 percent, respectively, between 2014 and 2019.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), in a report, revealed the disturbing figures at a time when National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) guidelines point out the real test of effective education in universities is reflected in the performance of the students in the examination.
The report, “Performance Audit of Outcomes in Higher Education in Andhra Pradesh”, was tabled in the state Assembly on Wednesday, 21 September.
According to the report, the average pass percentage in respect of undergraduate courses in Andhra University ranged between 18 and 46 percent during the period 2014-19.
During the year 2018-19, the pass percentage for BA, BSc, and BCom courses was 23.49 percent, 23.54 percent, and 36.39 percent, respectively.
Adi Kavi Nannaya University in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh. (AKNU Official website)
In respect of postgraduate courses, the average pass percentage ranged between 47.52 and 90.13 percent during the same period. Further, the pass percentage in MCom declined gradually over the period. During 2014-15, the pass percentage was 90.13 percent, which decreased to 53 percent during 2018-19.
At AKN University, the average pass percentage in respect of undergraduate courses ranged between 15 and 52 percent. The pass percentage in the BA course decreased from 32.78 to 19.27 percent, in BSc from 38.04 to 37.85 percent, and in BCom from 40.58 to 21.77 percent over the period 2014-15 to 2018-19.
The average pass percentage in respect of postgraduate courses in AKNU ranged between 57 and 80 percent during the period 2014-15 to 2018-19. The pass percentage in MSc has decreased from 70.58 percent in 2014-15 to 60.90 percent in 2018-19.
Among the varsities audited by CAG, Sri Venkateswara University (SVU), fared well in pass percentage of students. At SVU, the average pass percentage in undergraduate courses was 98 percent during the period 2016-17 to 2018-19. The average pass percentage in respect of postgraduate courses ranged between 82 and 100 percent during the period 2014-15 to 2018- 19.
The CAG conducted the performance audit between November 2019 and March 2020 covering the period 2014-15 to 2018-19 to assess the performance of the state in enabling the students to secure employment/progress to higher studies, ensuring the quality of higher education, and assess the adequacy of governance and management in higher education.
As a part of the audit, out of 10 state universities providing education in general streams like arts, commerce and science, three universities — Andhra University, SVU, and AKN University — were selected for audit scrutiny. All nine constituent colleges and 26 out of 607 affiliated colleges (government/private aided/unaided) in these universities providing education in the general stream were test-checked.
There were 10 conventional universities with 1,432 affiliated degree colleges as of 2018-19 in Andhra Pradesh.
Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
Apr 24, 2024
