DU SOL 1st / 3rd / 5th Semester Internal Assessment Process 2024

The School of Open Learning (SOL) at Delhi University has announced its internal assessment exams, and many students are curious about the details. Internal assessments are an essential part of the academic process, especially for first, third, and fifth-semester students. In this article, we’ll cover DU SOL 1st / 3rd / 5th Semester Internal Assessment Process 2024.

What Are Internal Assessments?

Internal assessments are exams or assignments that students need to complete as part of their academic evaluation. At SOL, these assessments are mandatory for all students enrolled in the first, third, and fifth semesters, and they are conducted online, primarily in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

For students new to SOL, especially those in their first semester, it is crucial to understand the importance of these assessments. Internal assessments, combined with end-semester exams, form the basis of a student’s overall academic performance.

Who Needs to Take These Assessments?

The internal assessments are compulsory for:

• First-semester students.
• Third-semester students.
• Fifth-semester students.

Each student must submit an assessment for every subject they are enrolled in. For example, first and third-semester students who have seven subjects will need to submit seven assessments, while fifth-semester students, who typically have six subjects, will submit six assessments.

Why Are Internal Assessments Important?

One of the most common questions SOL students ask is, “Why are internal assessments necessary?” Internal assessments at SOL have become an integral part of the evaluation process since 2022, when Delhi University implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) across its colleges, including SOL.

Previously, SOL students were evaluated solely through end-semester exams. However, with the introduction of NEP, internal assessments have gained significant importance. They provide students with an opportunity to boost their overall scores by performing well in smaller, more manageable tasks throughout the semester. This system also encourages continuous learning, as students cannot rely solely on the final exams for their grades.

Changes with the National Education Policy (NEP)

Before the implementation of NEP in 2022, SOL students were not required to submit internal assessments or assignments. The introduction of this policy brought several changes:

• Increased number of subjects: Students are now required to study more subjects per semester. For example, students in their first four semesters must now study seven subjects instead of the previous four.
• Four-year undergraduate program: SOL, like other Delhi University colleges, now offers a four-year undergraduate program. Students have the option to graduate after three years or continue for a fourth year, depending on their academic goals.

The increase in the number of subjects and the inclusion of internal assessments was met with some resistance initially, but these changes are now fully implemented.

How Are Internal Assessments Conducted?

At SOL, internal assessments are conducted online. This method accommodates the fact that many SOL students reside outside of Delhi and may not be able to physically attend the campus for exams. Here’s what students need to know about the assessment process:

1. Online Format: All assessments are conducted online, and they are MCQ-based. This makes it easier for students to complete them remotely.
2. No Surveillance: Contrary to what some students believe, there is no camera monitoring during the assessment. Students can take the exam from the comfort of their homes without the fear of being watched or recorded.
3. Time Frame: Students are given a window of 10 to 15 days to complete their assessments. They can choose to finish all their assessments in one day or spread them out over several days.
4. Multiple Attempts: Students are allowed two attempts for each assessment. The higher score of the two attempts will be considered in the final grading. For instance, if a student scores 25 marks in the first attempt and 50 marks in the second, the higher score of 50 will be recorded.
5. Assessment Duration: Each internal assessment consists of 70 MCQs and students are given 35 minutes to complete it. The countdown begins as soon as a student logs into the assessment portal.
6. MCQ Format: The questions are based on the syllabus, and they are designed to test basic understanding of the subject. While many students find the questions straightforward, some have raised concerns about occasional errors in the questions. However, SOL has worked to improve transparency by providing answer keys for assessments in recent years.

Read More:

DU SOL 3rd & 5th Semester Datesheet Release December Exam 2024

Steps to Take the Internal Assessment

To make the process clearer for students, here is a step-by-step guide on how to take the internal assessment:

1. Log into the SOL portal using your student credentials.
2. Access the assessment section, where the subjects and corresponding assessments will be listed.
3. Start the assessment, and make sure to save each answer before moving to the next question.
4. After completing the assessment, submit it. You will receive a confirmation message that your assessment has been successfully submitted.
5. Save a screenshot of the submission as proof in case of any discrepancies later.

Pro Tips for Success

• Review the syllabus before attempting the assessment. Since the questions are MCQ-based, knowing key facts and figures from the syllabus will help you answer quickly.
• Use the two attempts wisely. If you’re unsure about your performance in the first attempt, take time to revise before your second attempt.
• Keep an eye on the timer. With only 35 minutes to answer 70 questions, time management is crucial.
• Prepare ahead of time: Don’t leave all assessments for the last day, as technical issues or time constraints can lead to unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

The internal assessments at SOL are a vital part of the academic journey for students, especially with the implementation of NEP. Understanding the process and preparing in advance can help students perform better and contribute positively to their final grades. Students should embrace these assessments as an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and improve their overall performance.

By following the guidelines and tips provided above, students can navigate the internal assessment process smoothly and successfully.