LUCKNOW, June 10 -- A Curriculum Review Committee has been formed to update engineering courses in line with latest industrial requirements, emerging technologies and job-oriented skills, said Lucknow University vice-chancellor Prof JP Saini during an inspection of the university's Second Campus. Saini said that updating engineering education according to current industrial needs and guidelines of national regulatory bodies is the need of the hour. All engineering branches will now have a common first-semester syllabus. Currently, both first and second semesters are common across branches, but the emphasis is on strengthening fundamentals in the first six months. Besides, branch change facility will be available from the start of the 2nd semester instead of the 3rd semester, giving students an earlier opportunity to switch if needed. The university also plans to simplify internal assessment. There will be only one mid-semester exam instead of two in one year and to bring more flexibility in the 8th semester, students with quality internships in reputed MNCs, national institutes, research organisations or other approved organisations meeting minimum stipend/package criteria will be allowed to opt for six months of full-time industrial training instead of regular classes. Besides, Saini said that lab evaluation will be done continuously throughout the semester, removing the need for separate external practical exams. This change is expected to push students toward more hands-on learning and consistent engagement with lab work. The Curriculum Revision Committee includes the dean of engineering & technology as chairperson, one expert nominated by the vice-chancellor, and coordinators from computer science & engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electronics & communication engineering, and electrical engineering departments. Later during the inspection he visited the proposed site for a new multi-storey building for the faculty of law. Dean prof RK Verma and senior faculty members joined him to discuss the layout and infrastructure needed for new courses and the growing student intake. Engineers and the construction agency were directed to ensure quality and timely completion....