The pre-university department is deliberating on introducing general studies (general knowledge) as a compulsory subject at the pre-university level to boost students knowledge about current affairs and general information.

While a final decision is yet to be taken, a special committee comprising academics, teachers and subject experts has been constituted to discuss the modalities of introducing such a paper.

A survey conducted by the PU department recently revealed that an overwhelming 90 per cent of the respondents favoured introduction of the general studies paper at the PU level. The department had conducted the survey by sending questionnaires to all the 2,000-0dd PU colleges in the State. It asked the principals to discuss the issue with their staff and respond.

The questionnaires were also sent to educationists, student representatives, principals of professional colleges and vice-chancellors for their opinion. Here again, 70 per cent of the respondents felt there was a need to introduce a general studies paper.

The committee will discuss various modalities like whether the paper should be made an examination subject or not, and on the content. These issues will be taken up along with the on-going process of syllabi revision for PU courses, PU Education Director B S Ramaprasad told Deccan

There is a general perception that our students are not up to the mark in general knowledge and current affairs. PU is the right platform to familiarise students with developments and happenings around the world, officials closely associated with the syllabi revision said. Maharashtra and Goa have already introduced such general studies papers for their students. West Bengal is likely to introduce it from the next academic year.

As many as 60.84 per cent of the respondents of the PU survey felt that the subject should be introduced for both I and II year PU students, while the rest felt that it should be restricted for the first year. The survey revealed that there was a general feeling that the paper should be for learning purpose only and not become an additional burden on the students. Only 21.04 per cent preferred that the paper be made an examination subject.

Regarding the content, the respondents felt that it should be a mix of current affairs, value education, guidance and counselling and computer education. Mr Ramaprasad said a final decision on whether to introduce the paper would be taken within a couple of months.

Meanwhile, the department will be organising a two-day orientation programme during the first week of November for chairpersons of all the 25 subject committees involved in the syllabi revision process to evolve a final action plan, Mr Ramaprasad said.