What are the New CA and PCA Rules in MAKAUT?
Under the new Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) academic regulations, theory courses have a Continuous Assessment (CA) of 30 marks and practical courses have a Practical Continuous Assessment (PCA) of 40 marks. The 30-mark theory CA is split equally into three components: Class Tests (CA1 & CA2 average scaled to 10 marks), End-Semester CA (ECA scaled to 10 marks), and Whole-Semester CA (WCA scaled to 10 marks). Practical courses are evaluated via PCA1 and PCA2 (40 marks average) followed by a 60-mark End-Semester practical exam.
This continuous evaluation structure ensures that engineering students are graded throughout the term rather than relying solely on the final theory exam block.
All internal marks must be entered and locked on the official MAKAUT members portal within the university-defined upload window. Late submissions are not permitted by the board.
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1. Overview of the MAKAUT Assessment Architecture
In any given semester under the MAKAUT curriculum, courses are broadly classified into three categories:
- Theory Courses (100 Marks): 30 Marks Continuous Assessment (CA) + 70 Marks End-Semester Examination.
- Practical Courses (100 Marks): PCA (average of PCA1 & PCA2) (40 Marks) + End-Semester Practical Exam (60 Marks).
- Sessional Courses (100 Marks): Wholly internal continuous evaluation over multiple components.
Below is the official Assessment Architecture summary:
| Course Type | Assessment Components | Conducted By | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory | CA (30) = Class Tests 10 + ECA 10 + WCA 10; plus End-Sem Exam (70) | College + University (ECA & End-Sem) | 100 |
| Practical | PCA (average of PCA1 & PCA2) (40) + End-Sem Practical Exam (60) | College + External Examiner | 100 |
| Sessional | Wholly internal continuous evaluation over multiple components | College (Internal + External Examiner) | 100 |
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2. Theory Courses: The 30-Mark CA Breakdown
The 30-mark Continuous Assessment (CA) of a theory course is divided into three equal components of 10 marks each:
Let's look at each component in detail:
A. Class Tests (CA1 & CA2) — 10 Marks
- Format: Two written class tests (CA1 and CA2) are conducted by your college during the semester.
- Evaluation: Each test is of 25 marks. The average of your CA1 and CA2 marks is calculated and scaled down to a score out of 10.
- Calculation Formula:
Do not take CA1 lightly just because CA2 is there! Since the average of both tests is taken, scoring poorly in one will heavily impact your final score.
B. End-Semester CA (ECA) — 10 Marks
- Format: A centralized online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) test conducted directly by MAKAUT.
- Coverage: It covers the entire syllabus and is a 25-mark test with a duration of 40 minutes.
- Evaluation: The 25 marks obtained are converted to a score out of 10.
- Calculation Formula:
C. Whole-Semester CA (WCA) — 10 Marks
- Format: This is evaluated continuously by the subject teacher over the course of the semester.
- Criteria: WCA is based on:
- Overall classroom performance & conduct.
- Skill components (presentations, mini-projects, assignments).
- Class attendance percentages.
- Evaluation: Out of 10 marks, mapped by the teacher according to the student's involvement and submitted to the university portal.
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3. Official Assessment Reference & Timeline
To keep you aligned with the semesters, here is the official timeline and summary guide for theory and practical courses as published by the university:
MAKAUT Assessment Architecture Reference Sheet (Click to open full size)Indicative Academic Timeline
| Stage | Activity | Indicative Timing |
|---|---|---|
| CA1 | First theory class test (25 marks) | After ~6 weeks |
| PCA1 | First practical continuous assessment cycle | After ~8 weeks |
| CA2 | Second theory class test (25 marks) | After ~12 weeks |
| PCA2 | Second practical continuous assessment cycle | After ~15 weeks |
| ECA | Centralised online theory test conducted by University (25 marks, 40 min) | End of semester, as notified |
| WCA | Whole-semester skill activities as per NEP/NAAC and attendance | Throughout the semester |
| End-Sem | Theory (70), Practical (60) and Sessional evaluation (100) | End of semester, as notified |
| Upload | Submission of marks and top-sheets on portal | Within notified windows |
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4. Key Takeaways to Maximize Your Internals
- Aim for Full Attendance: Since WCA depends heavily on attendance and classroom participation, missing classes is the easiest way to lose marks.
- Prepare for MCQ Style in ECA: Solve previous year online mock tests and read theoretical concepts thoroughly.
- Submit Assignments on Time: WCA skill components require you to be proactive with assignments and presentations. Keep track of deadlines.
- Excel in Class Tests: Aiming for 20+ out of 25 in both CA1 and CA2 guarantees you a solid 8+/10 in the first component.
Stay focused and plan your prep according to this timeline to secure an outstanding SGPA!