Examinations at IISER Mohali play a triple(!) role:

1. A method to certify how much the student has learned of what is written in the syllabus/curriculum.

2. A method for the student to show what she/he has learned during the course.

3. A method for the student to figure out what she/he has not learnt during the course.

The first role is dictated by society-at-large which needs us (via the Academic Senate) to issue a degree certificate that certifies that students meet certain requirements of society. (So the exams should touch all aspects of the syllabus.)

The second role is dicated by the desire of the instructor to know what has "got across". (So the exams should not be too tough/binary. Even partial knowledge gained can be shown.)

The third role is dicated by the desire of the student to improve and fill up gaps. (So the exams should not be too easy. Each student should find at least some of the exam challenging.)

Students should think about these points while preparing for examinations.