We, the undersigned students of KTU, respectfully submit this petition to request a reconsideration of the yearback policy being enforced on certain batches. The implementation of this policy, under the current academic and practical circumstances, is unjust and harmful to the affected students’ academic careers and mental well-being. We wish to bring the following critical concerns to your kind attention:

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1. COVID-19 Impact on Learning:

The current S6 students belong to the batch that completed their Plus One and Plus Two during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, through online classes. These students entered engineering college without a proper foundation, and their early semesters in college (S1–S4) were also largely online. This led to severe learning gaps in core subjects, which has had a lasting impact on their academic performance.

2. Yearback Implementation Confusion for S4 Students:

In the case of S4 students, if the yearback rule is strictly implemented, they will face a situation where they may be shifted to a new academic scheme (possibly the 2024 scheme). This shift is highly disruptive, as it will force students to adapt to an entirely different curriculum midway through their education, which is neither practical nor fair.

3. Unfair Discrepancy with the 2019 Batch:

The 2019 admission batch, despite facing similar or lesser academic difficulties, was not subjected to the yearback policy. Applying it now to current students, who dealt with more intense disruptions due to the pandemic, shows inconsistency in the university’s decisions and creates a sense of injustice.

4. Lack of Clear Official Circular on Yearback:

The university has not issued a comprehensive and transparent circular regarding the implementation of the yearback system. As a result, many colleges failed to inform students in time, leading to confusion and missed chances for improvement.

5. Natural Calamities Affecting Exam Attendance:

Many students were unable to attend supplementary examinations due to heavy rains and floods in various regions of Kerala. These were unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, and students should not be penalized for acts of nature.

6. Negative Impact on Students’ Future:

Enforcing the yearback rule will result in students losing an academic year, which will severely affect their job placements, internships, higher education plans, and mental well-being. It adds an unnecessary burden on students who are already striving to catch up post-pandemic.

7. Improper Valuation and Delay in Revaluation Results:

Many students have experienced issues with inaccurate or inconsistent evaluation of answer scripts. Additionally, the revaluation results are not being published in time, leaving students in uncertainty. This delay has directly affected students’ ability to clear subjects and avoid yearback, despite being eligible or close to passing.