TANSCHE and IIT Madras Collaborate to Enhance Analytical Questioning in College Exams
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) has announced a significant initiative in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) aimed at transforming the examination process in higher education institutions across the state. This program will train 15,000 faculty members from various colleges, including arts and science colleges, engineering colleges, and polytechnic institutions, on how to formulate analytical questions for exams.
Objective of the Training Program
The primary goal of this training program is to shift the focus of examinations from rote memorization to analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. TANSCHE vice-chairman M P Vijayakumar emphasized the need for this shift, stating, “Our students lack problem-solving skills and analytical ability because most of our exams focus only on recalling memory.” He further noted that improving students’ analytical abilities is crucial, and this can be achieved by testing them on these skills during exams.
Current Examination Challenges
A recent analysis of question papers revealed that the majority of semester exams predominantly feature memory-based questions. This trend encourages students to memorize answers rather than apply the concepts they learn in the classroom. The lack of training for faculty members in setting analytical questions has contributed to this issue.
Training Methodology
The training program will be conducted in phases. Initially, national experts will train state-level resource persons, who will then disseminate this knowledge to faculty members at the university and college levels before April. During the training sessions, experts will provide sample questions that test conceptual clarity and encourage faculty members to create similar questions tailored to their subjects.
Types of Questions to be Developed
The new examination format will include a variety of question types designed to assess students’ understanding and application of concepts. These will encompass:
- Case studies
- Industry-related problems
- Statistical questions for engineering students
Faculty members will be encouraged to frame questions that require students to comprehend, apply, and analyze concepts rather than simply define or explain them. M S Starvin, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University College of Engineering, Nagercoil, highlighted that teachers will need to enhance their knowledge to effectively set such questions.
Feedback from Faculty Members
A Vidyalakshmi, a faculty member from the Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology at Ethiraj College for Women, shared her experience attending the initial training session. She noted that experts analyzed current question papers and provided sample questions relevant to their subjects. Faculty members were also tasked with creating analytical questions during the physical training sessions, which were subsequently reviewed during online meetings.
Future Plans for Faculty Development
In addition to training on question formulation, TANSCHE is planning to conduct workshops aimed at improving teaching methodologies in classrooms. The objective is to enhance conceptual clarity for students, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Conclusion
This initiative by TANSCHE and IIT Madras represents a significant step towards modernizing the examination system in Tamil Nadu’s higher education institutions. By equipping faculty members with the skills to set analytical questions, the program aims to cultivate a generation of students who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates from TANSCHE and IIT Madras as of November 2025.
