Campus Times | Lucknow 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University has introduced a major academic reform for BTech students by making activity points compulsory for the award of engineering degrees from the current academic session onward. The decision aligns with guidelines issued by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Under the revised undergraduate structure, students will have to earn activity points alongside completing semester examinations and academic credits. The new rule will apply to more than 2.5 lakh students studying in 759 affiliated colleges across Uttar Pradesh.

100 Activity Points Now Essential for Graduation

As per the updated framework, regular BTech students must secure a minimum of 100 activity points during their four-year programme, while lateral-entry students will be required to complete 75 points.

University officials said the initiative aims to encourage practical exposure, community participation and skill development beyond classroom learning. Students who fail to meet the prescribed requirement may face delays in receiving their final degree.

According to AKTU’s undergraduate studies department, the activity points system will not impact a student’s CGPA. However, the points will be officially recorded on the final transcript and reflected in the eighth semester grade card.

Activities That Can Earn Students Points

Students can collect activity points through a wide range of academic and social initiatives. These include:

• Participation in NCC and NSS programmes

• Rural internships and community outreach work

• Blood donation drives

• Technical certifications and skill-based training

• Smart India Hackathon participation

• Innovation, entrepreneurship and extracurricular activities

Students will also be required to maintain proper documentation of their participation, including certificates, reports or verified records, for university evaluation.

Degree May Be Withheld Without Required Points

AKTU officials clarified that students who do not complete the mandatory activity points before the final semester may not receive their eighth semester grade card on time. As a result, the degree award process could also be delayed until the requirement is fulfilled.

The university has advised students to participate in approved activities throughout their academic journey, including during vacations, weekends and semester breaks.

Other Changes Introduced in BTech Curriculum

Apart from the activity point system, AKTU has also revised the BTech curriculum structure. Programme Specific Courses (PSCs) will now focus more deeply on branch-oriented subjects such as Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering.

Additionally, Engineering Sciences Courses have been introduced to promote interdisciplinary learning. Students will be required to choose at least two subjects from engineering streams outside their own discipline to expand technical understanding across domains.