DAVV Plans MBA and LLB Exam Pattern Changes After Poor Results: Proposed 70:30 Marking System Explained

Updated: September 22, 2026

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, is reviewing the examination and assessment structure for its MBA, LLB and BEd programs following low pass percentages. The university is considering a change in the distribution of theory and internal-assessment marks, with MBA examinations potentially moving from an 80:20 structure to a 70:30 arrangement.

A similar adjustment is being considered for LLB, while BEd already uses a 70:30 structure. The university has not announced a final change applicable to all students. Academic officials are expected to discuss the proposal before a decision is made.

The review follows concerns about examination results, particularly in MBA. Approximately 2,450 of around 7,000 second-semester MBA students passed, according to the September 22 report. The university is examining whether the assessment structure, paper setting and evaluation practices require changes.

DAVV Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

What Change Is DAVV Considering?

The main proposal concerns the balance between marks awarded in the theory examination and marks awarded through internal assessment.

Under the reported MBA structure, theory carries 80 marks and internal assessment carries 20. The proposed arrangement would allocate 70 marks to theory and 30 to internal assessment.

The total remains 100 marks in this comparison. What changes is the relative contribution of the two components.

The university has not finalized the proposal, and students should not apply the proposed distribution to their current examinations unless an official scheme specifically instructs them to do so.

MBA Marks Distribution: Current vs Proposed

This table explains the reported proposal. It is not an approved marking scheme or a statement of passing requirements.

Why Is the University Reviewing the Pattern?

University officials are responding to low results across professional programs. MBA has drawn particular attention because of the reported second-semester outcome.

The report indicates that only around 2,450 of approximately 7,000 MBA second-semester students passed. It also states that nearly 65% were allowed to keep term, while average MBA results have fallen to approximately 30–35%.

LLB and BEd results were reported in an average range of approximately 30–38%.

These figures describe the reported examination outcomes; they do not establish that the marks distribution alone caused the results. University officials and academics have also raised issues involving question-paper preparation, evaluation and teaching.

What Does ATKT Mean?

ATKT stands for Allowed to Keep Term. It generally describes a provision under which eligible students may continue their studies despite not clearing certain examinations, subject to the university's rules.

The report's reference to a substantial proportion of MBA students being allowed to keep term should not be confused with the proportion who passed every required paper.

Students should consult the current DAVV ordinance and course-specific rules for the conditions governing progression, backlog examinations and final clearance.

How Could a 70:30 Structure Affect MBA Students?

Under the proposed distribution, internal assessment would account for 30% of the total marks rather than 20%.

Depending on the approved scheme, internal assessment may reflect work completed during the semester. The university would need to specify which activities contribute to the component and how they are evaluated.

Students should not assume that internal marks will automatically increase or that the proposal guarantees a higher pass percentage. Outcomes depend on performance, assessment quality and applicable passing rules.

Illustrative Marks Comparison

These are hypothetical examples illustrating the calculation. They are not student results, official conversion formulas or new passing criteria.

What Is Being Considered for LLB?

The university is considering a similar change for LLB. The reported development does not provide a final course-wise marking scheme, semester coverage or implementation date.

Law students should continue using their existing examination scheme until the university publishes a revised ordinance or notification.

Any approved change would need to clarify its application to regular students, backlog candidates and examinations already scheduled.

Is the BEd Pattern Changing?

BEd is part of the broader review following low results, but the reported information states that the program already follows a 70:30 assessment structure.

It would therefore be inaccurate to announce that BEd is newly shifting from 80:20 to 70:30.

The university may examine other aspects of BEd assessment, but no specific approved replacement scheme has been established by the report.

Are Question Papers Being Changed?

Question-paper preparation and evaluation have been identified as possible areas of concern. However, the report does not establish a new question-paper format, number of questions, examination duration or subject-wise syllabus.

Students should not assume that a multiple-choice examination is replacing a descriptive paper, or that the number of questions has changed, unless a course-specific notice confirms it.

What Have University Officials Said?

DAVV examination controller Ashesh Tiwari indicated that the university is taking steps to address MBA results and plans to hold a meeting to discuss the examination scheme and related issues.

The final decision is expected after discussions involving course deans, Board of Studies chairpersons and other officials.

This consultation is important because a marks-distribution change affects how assessment is designed, conducted and recorded.

Could the Number of MBA Subjects Change?

Some college principals have suggested reducing the number of MBA subjects from eight to six and reviewing traditional paper-setting and evaluation practices.

That suggestion is separate from the proposed 70:30 assessment ratio. It has not been established as an approved curriculum change.

Students should continue preparing for the subjects listed in their current official syllabus and examination timetable.

What Must Be Clarified Before Implementation?

What Should MBA Students Do Now?

MBA students should continue preparing according to their current syllabus, examination timetable and marking scheme. They should also complete all internal-assessment requirements already prescribed by their department or college.

Students who have backlogs should verify the current ATKT and supplementary examination rules rather than assuming that a proposed assessment change will apply retrospectively.

Any future change should be confirmed through a university notification specifying the relevant course, semester and examination session.

What Should LLB and BEd Students Do?

LLB students should monitor whether a revised theory-to-internal ratio is approved and whether it applies to their specific program.

BEd students should not interpret the report as an announcement that their existing 70:30 structure has been replaced. They should check for any separate notification concerning question papers, assessment or evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has DAVV approved the new MBA exam pattern?

No. The reported 70:30 change remains under consideration.

What is the existing MBA marks ratio?

The report identifies an 80:20 theory-to-internal distribution.

What is the proposed MBA ratio?

Seventy marks for theory and thirty for internal assessment.

Will the total marks change?

The reported comparison retains a total of 100 marks.

Is the same change proposed for LLB?

A similar adjustment is being considered, but final course-specific rules are awaited.

Does BEd already follow 70:30?

Yes, according to the September 22 report.

Has the university reduced MBA subjects from eight to six?

No final curriculum change has been confirmed. The reduction was suggested by some college principals.

Will the proposal apply to backlog examinations?

That has not been confirmed.

Does a higher internal-assessment weight guarantee a pass?

No. Students must meet the applicable assessment and passing requirements.

Where should students check the final decision?

Through official DAVV examination notifications and their college or department.

Latest Update

As of September 22, 2026, DAVV is reviewing examination arrangements following low results in MBA, LLB and BEd. A change from 80:20 to 70:30 is being considered for MBA, with a similar adjustment discussed for LLB. BEd already uses 70:30. No final implementation notification has been confirmed.