Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE) has announced major changes to the polytechnic diploma examination system, reducing exam duration and revising the question paper format from the current academic year.

There are 55 government polytechnic colleges, 34 government-aided institutions and 392 private colleges functioning under the Higher Education Department. Based on feedback from principals and stakeholders, DOTE decided to restructure the examination pattern.

Under the new system, the semester examination will be held for two hours instead of three. The question paper will comprise 20 multiple-choice questions of one mark each, eight short-answer questions of two marks (students to answer any five), and five long-answer questions of 10 marks (students to attempt any three).

The written examination will carry 60 marks, while internal assessment will account for 40 marks.

Officials said the move aims to balance objective and descriptive formats while addressing concerns that a fully MCQ-based exam could affect pass percentages.

All polytechnic principals have been directed to prepare students in line with the revised system, DOTE said in a circular.