Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), formerly known as UPTU, follows a well-structured academic policy for evaluating students under its CBCS (Choice Based Credit System) and Non-CBCS system. Every student must meet certain academic performance criteria to get promoted to the next year and complete their degree. This article explains all AKTU Backlog Rules 2025 — including carry over, grace marks, promotion policy, and year back rules for all courses like B.Tech, MBA, MCA, B.Pharma and others.
🔹 What is a Backlog in AKTU?
A backlog means a subject or paper that a student could not pass in the regular exam. Students who fail in one or more subjects have to reappear in the next semester exam as a carry over paper. The backlog subjects remain until they are cleared successfully.
🔹 AKTU Carry Over Rules 2025 (CBCS & Non-CBCS)
AKTU has different rules for students enrolled under CBCS (introduced in 2016-17 onwards) and Non-CBCS (older batches). The carry-over rule decides how many backlogs a student can have and still get promoted.
For CBCS Students:
- Students must earn the minimum required credits to be promoted.
- There is no year back in CBCS — students are promoted with backlogs.
- All failed subjects can be carried over and cleared in subsequent semesters.
- Maximum attempts allowed for any subject: 3 (in most cases).
For Non-CBCS Students:
- Students could carry a maximum of 4 backlogs to the next year.
- If a student failed in more than 4 subjects, they faced a year back.
- Carry over exams were conducted along with the next semester exams.
🔹 AKTU Grace Marks Rule 2025
AKTU provides grace marks to help students pass if they are failing by a small margin. This rule applies to all students under CBCS and Non-CBCS systems.
| Condition | Grace Marks Provided |
|---|---|
| If student fails in one subject by few marks | Upto 10 marks (total) |
| Grace marks applicable | Only in theory papers |
| Grace marks not applicable | In practical/lab/internal exams |
👉 Example: If a student needs 26 marks to pass but gets 20, then 6 marks grace can be awarded to declare them “PASS”.
🔹 AKTU Year Back Rule 2025
Under the old Non-CBCS system, if a student failed in more than 4 subjects in a year, they were given a year back (not allowed to appear for next year classes). However, in the CBCS system, there is no year back — students continue studies but must clear all backlogs before degree completion.
Year Back Example:
- 1st year: If failed in more than 4 subjects → Year back (Non-CBCS).
- CBCS: No year back, only credit deficiency.
🔹 AKTU Promotion Rule (CBCS System)
In CBCS, student promotion depends on earned credits. Each subject carries certain credits. Students must earn a minimum number of credits to move to the next semester.
| From | To | Minimum Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | 2nd Year | 25 Credits |
| 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 50 Credits |
| 3rd Year | 4th Year | 75 Credits |
Even if a student has backlogs, they can be promoted if they have the minimum required credits.
🔹 AKTU Back Paper / Carry Over Exam Process
- Students need to fill the carry over form through AKTU ERP portal.
- Back paper exams are held with the next semester exams.
- Students can attempt the same subject again and improve their marks.
- The higher marks (from any attempt) are considered in the final result.
🔹 AKTU Credit Based Evaluation System
Under CBCS, each subject has assigned credits. Example:
- Theory Paper: 4 Credits
- Practical/Lab: 1 Credit
- Project: 2 Credits
Students must achieve at least 40% marks in internal + external combined to pass each subject.
🔹 AKTU Improvement and Re-registration Rule
Students who want to improve marks in a passed subject can apply for improvement in the next available semester. If a student fails even after multiple attempts, they must re-register the subject again (especially in CBCS scheme).
🔹 AKTU Backlog Rules for Final Year Students
- Final year students must clear all previous backlogs to be eligible for degree.
- Grace marks can be given if total shortage is within 10 marks across all subjects.
- Degree is awarded only after clearing all carry-over papers.
🔹 AKTU Special Carry Over (SCO) Rules
Sometimes AKTU gives a Special Carry Over Chance for old students who couldn’t clear papers due to discontinued schemes. These are declared through official notifications and allow students to appear for old syllabus subjects.
🔹 AKTU Grace Marks Policy Summary
- Maximum of 10 marks grace in total.
- Applicable only if it leads to complete pass status.
- Grace marks are added in the theory paper only.
- Students can get grace in one or more subjects but total should not exceed 10 marks.
🔹 AKTU Backlog Rules for Lateral Entry Students
Lateral entry students (admitted in 2nd year after diploma or B.Sc.) also follow the same carry-over and promotion policies. They must clear all subjects of 2nd to 4th year to obtain the degree.
🔹 Passing Marks in AKTU Exams
| Component | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| Theory (External + Internal) | 40% |
| Practical/Lab | 50% |
| Overall SGPA for passing | ≥ 5.0 |
🔹 AKTU Result Grading System (CBCS)
| Grade | Marks Range | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| O (Outstanding) | 90-100 | 10 |
| A+ | 80-89 | 9 |
| A | 70-79 | 8 |
| B+ | 60-69 | 7 |
| B | 50-59 | 6 |
| C | 40-49 | 5 |
| F | Below 40 | Fail |
🔹 AKTU Backlog Rules for MBA, MCA, B.Pharma, B.Arch
The same principles apply to other courses under AKTU with minor variations in credit and evaluation pattern. For professional programs like MBA and MCA, the carry over papers can be attempted in the next semester itself. The maximum grace marks remain the same — up to 10 marks total.
🔹 What Happens If You Don’t Clear Backlogs?
If a student fails to clear backlogs even after multiple attempts, they will not be awarded a degree. However, they can appear in the next special or regular examination as per AKTU notification. Students must clear all subjects within the maximum duration limit (8 years for B.Tech).
🔹 Important Tips to Clear AKTU Backlogs
- Focus more on subjects you previously failed in.
- Prepare from previous year carry-over papers.
- Attempt university question papers within time limits.
- Utilize grace marks smartly – even a few marks can help you pass.
- Stay updated with AKTU ERP notifications for carry-over forms and results.
🔹 FAQs on AKTU Backlog Rules 2025
Q1. How many backlogs are allowed in AKTU?
In CBCS, there is no limit. In Non-CBCS, maximum 4 backlogs are allowed for promotion.
Q2. How many grace marks are given in AKTU?
Maximum of 10 marks in total across subjects.
Q3. Can a student pass AKTU degree with backlogs?
No, all backlogs must be cleared to receive the degree.
Q4. Can I improve marks in a passed subject?
Yes, students can apply for improvement exam in the next semester.
Q5. Is there year back in AKTU now?
No, under CBCS system there is no year back; only credit deficiency matters.
🔹 Conclusion
The AKTU Backlog Rules 2025 provide flexibility for students to clear subjects through carry-over exams, grace marks, and credit-based promotions. The CBCS system has made it easier to progress year by year without losing an academic session. However, students must focus on earning sufficient credits and clearing all subjects within the maximum duration to obtain their degree.
Tip: Keep checking the official AKTU website and AKTU ERP Portal for updates on backlog forms, results, and notifications.
🔹 Related AKTU Rules — Read Next
AKTU UFM Rule — Unfair Means & Punishments
Understand types of UFM cases, punishments, and appeal process.
AKTU Grace Marks Rule — Eligibility & Limit
Learn when and how grace marks are awarded in AKTU exams.
AKTU Challenge Evaluation — Rechecking & Photocopy
Step-by-step process for rechecking and answer sheet photocopy.
AKTU Detained Rule — Year Repetition & PCP Policy
Know what detained means and how re-admission & PCP works.
