Why KTU's engineering students feel trapped!!

Kerala Technological University (KTU), also known as APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, has been a cornerstone of technical education in Kerala. However, in recent years, it has faced criticism from students and faculty alike. Concerns about poor evaluation, a challenging curriculum, and administrative inefficiencies have left many students feeling disillusioned.

Evaluation System: A Major Concern

One of the most significant issues raised by students is the evaluation process. Many students have expressed dissatisfaction with the fairness and transparency of the evaluation system. According to a [survey conducted by KTU Students](https://www.ktustudents.in/2017/10/ktu-edu-survey-and-feadback.html), a large percentage of respondents felt that their exam papers were not evaluated accurately. This has led to widespread frustration, with students often having to apply for re-evaluation, which further delays their academic progress.

A Curriculum That Overwhelms

The curriculum at KTU is often described as rigorous, but many students feel it is unnecessarily difficult and not aligned with industry requirements. While a challenging curriculum can foster growth, the lack of practical application and the overwhelming workload have been points of contention. Reviews on platforms like [Shiksha] (https://www.shiksha.com/university/ktu-apj-abdul-kalam-technological-university-thiruvananthapuram-51540/reviews) highlight that while the faculty and infrastructure are rated positively, the course curriculum often receives mixed feedback.

Student Testimonials

"The old syllabus which I'm currently studying is quite outdated. The new one (2024 scheme) is heard to be well and good. Teaching should be more practical than theoretical in programming papers." - A Computer Science student.

"My college life is amazing, but the curriculum is overwhelming. The faculty is supportive, but the administrative hurdles make it difficult to focus on studies." - A B.Tech student.

Statistics Speak Volumes

- The success rate for KTU's B.Tech exams in 2024 was 53.03%, with a notable gender disparity: **67.66% of female students** passed compared to 44.11% of male students.

- Among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, only 25.89% of students cleared the exams.

- A total of 1,117 students secured a CGPA of 9 and above, showcasing the potential for excellence despite the challenges.

Administrative Hurdles

Administrative inefficiencies have also been a recurring issue. Reports from credible sources like [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ktu-staff-organisation-decries-syndicate-action-against-section-officer/article69109864.ece) and [Mathrubhumi](https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kerala-tech-university-vc-syndicate-dispute-1.10258098) have highlighted systemic problems within the university's management. These include disputes between the Vice-Chancellor and Syndicate members, financial mismanagement, and delays in implementing reforms. Such issues not only affect the university's reputation but also the morale of its students and staff.

The Way Forward

While these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Here are some steps that could help improve the situation:

1. Transparent Evaluation: Implementing a more transparent and efficient evaluation system could restore students' faith in the process.

2. Curriculum Overhaul: Revising the curriculum to include more practical and industry-relevant content could make it more engaging and beneficial for students.

3. Administrative Reforms: Addressing internal conflicts and improving management practices could create a more conducive environment for learning.

KTU has the potential to be a leading institution for technical education, but it needs to address these concerns proactively. By listening to its students and faculty, the university can pave the way for a brighter future.