BTech at RV University: ‘We favour internal assessment over exams, make students industry ready’

NEW DELHI: Favouring continuous evaluation and a holistic approach to learning, RV University, Bengaluru, has limited the weightage assigned to external exams to just 30 marks. This helps reduce stress and promote application-based learning, Merin Thomas, assistant dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering, tells Careers360. She speaks about the university’s unique curriculum, hands-on learning approach, AI integration and more. Edited excerpts:

You seem to have a novel approach to curriculum design.

At RV University, we took a different approach while designing our programmes. Our primary focus has always been on making students industry-ready rather than just examination-oriented. Unlike conventional universities where internal and external assessments have equal weightage, at RVU, we prioritise continuous internal evaluations, with external exams accounting for only 30 marks. This approach reduces students' stress regarding exams and encourages a more application-based learning process.

In the first year, we introduce students to an interdisciplinary course called "Exploring Science", where they learn through hands-on experiences in various domains, including crystal structure, nanoscience, quantum technology and bioinformatics. Similarly, we have "Engineering Explorations”, which gives students engineering visualisation, and students also get exposure to basic programming, web designing, data structures, and databases. By the end of the first year, they are equipped to develop standalone projects and take up internships.

So, instead of separate subjects, students learn science in a more integrated manner?

Yes, exactly. In their first year, students undergo "Exploring Science” in two semesters where they engage in research-based learning. Apart from conducting traditional lab experiments, students also engage in hands-on activities outside the classroom that involve the collection of data from the physical world through observation or experiments designed by students.

A few examples include observation of sunspots to measure the rotational period of the sun, collecting plant samples from an ecosystem for identification and classification, etc. The intent is to take students through the scientific method of observation – data collection, analysis, testing and inference. This is to inculcate scientific temperament and aptitude in students. This hands-on approach fosters active learning.

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When do students choose their specialization or stream?

At present, RV University has only the School of Computer Science and Engineering. There is no switching between streams of engineering. In future, we may also introduce other disciplines. Students choose their major in the third semester.

We have adopted a major-minor structure in our curriculum. Students choose their major in the third semester from various tracks. They earn 40 credits in their chosen track and complete a project in that domain, earning a specialisation, in addition to their computer science honours degree. This allows them to graduate with a major in AI/ML, data science, or other fields as per industry demand.

What options are available for minors?

Minors let students explore interdisciplinary fields or follow their passions. For example, a computer science student can pursue a minor in business, economics, design, or even robotics. We also offer minors in emerging areas like semiconductors, recognising the increasing demand in India.

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AI is advancing rapidly, raising ethical and legal concerns. How does RVU address these issues?

AI tools like ChatGPT are widely used, but we educate students on their ethical use. We do not discourage these tools but emphasise the importance of using them responsibly. If students rely entirely on AI-generated content, they risk losing their creativity and foundational skills. We integrate AI-aware plagiarism checks to monitor assignments and train students on AI ethics. Additionally, we educate them on industry expectations, ensuring they develop problem-solving skills beyond AI dependency. However, the government needs to establish clear legal frameworks for AI regulation.

How do students gain admission to RVU?

Currently, we do not conduct our own entrance exam for the School of Computer Science. Admissions are based on national and state-level entrance tests. Eligibility criteria depend on the programme they enrol in at the school. For example, for the BTech (H) programme, typically, students need a minimum of 60%-70% in their PU [pre-university] exams, with cut-offs around 85 percentile in the JEE [Joint Entrance Examination] and CET [Karnataka Common Entrance Test], and then, according to the rankings.

How does RVU support students’ mental well-being?

Each student is assigned a faculty mentor from their first year, guiding them academically and personally throughout their university journey. Additionally, we provide career counseling, encourage participation in hackathons, and assist students in choosing their minors and majors. If any mental health concerns arise, we have a dedicated counselling centre where students can seek professional help on a confidential basis.