To make their demands heard, almost 500 students of 1st, 2nd and 3rd semester Master of Computer Application (MCA) gathered at the Gujarat Technological University (GTU) main office on Thursday.

They are angry about the paper checking method, which according to the students is very inconsistent and not student friendly.

They shouted slogans against the University for failing almost 1200 students of third semester MCA. The students demanded that the passing marks should be brought down to 28 out of 70, instead of the current 35 out of 70.

These students strongly believe that due to the 50% passing criterion, many bright students have failed the exam.

The agitating students were from various MCA colleges of the state, including Kalol, Gandhinagar and Anand. According to a 3rd semester student, due to the faulty paper checking methods, many ranker students failed the final exam.

"Almost 120 students whose results were detained were given distinction grades after reassessment. It shows that the university has not checked the papers properly in the first check" said Pratik a 3rd semester student.

These students are also furious about the mammoth fee collected for re-assessment. "For re-assessment, we have to pay Rs250 for one paper and Rs500 for every additional paper. Why should we pay for their mistakes?" said another angry student.

They also allege that questions are either out of the syllabus or not in accordance with the weightage decided previously.

In the afternoon, GTU vice-chancellor Dr. Akshai Aggarwal met student representatives and assured that if out of 51 MCA colleges, at least 20 principals agree to reduce the passing mark limit from 35 marks to 28, the limit will be changed as per their demand.

The principals have to give their consent on or before February 13 to the V-C. Dr. Aggarwal also agreed to give back the re-assessment fee to all the students who will have more than 15% difference in marks before and after the re-assessment.