Chennai: The Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE) has decided to conduct upcoming diploma semester examinations in Tamil Nadu in a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format, beginning with the October 2025 session, officials said on Monday.

The change will apply to over two lakh students enrolled in 55 government polytechnic colleges, 32 government-aided institutions and 401 private polytechnics functioning under the Higher Education Department. These institutions offer diploma programmes in industrial and technical disciplines, including electronics, civil, mechanical and computer engineering.

Officials said the move aims to reduce rote memorisation and enhance hands-on learning, aligning with industry expectations for more skilled graduates. “The industries that hire vocational students expect stronger practical abilities. This new exam pattern will encourage analytical thinking and problem-solving,” a senior Higher Education Department official said.

Under the revised format, students will answer one-mark and two-mark MCQs, along with a limited number of short-answer questions. The proportion of practical training in the curriculum is also being increased to complement the change in assessment.

The DoTE is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders, including students, parents and educators, to fine-tune the design of the examination papers before full-scale implementation.

This marks a significant shift in assessment for diploma students, who have traditionally been evaluated through descriptive written tests. Officials expressed confidence that the MCQ format, combined with greater emphasis on practical sessions, will make graduates more employable in core industry sectors.