Failed a subject? Do not panic. Mumbai University has a system called ATKT (Allowed To Keep Terms) that lets you move to the next semester while clearing failed subjects later. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is ATKT?
ATKT stands for Allowed To Keep Terms. It means you are permitted to advance to the next semester or year even though you have failed (or not appeared for) one or more subjects. You can re-attempt those subjects in subsequent exam cycles while continuing with your current semester.
Key points:
- Your internal marks are carried forward — you only need to re-take the external exam
- ATKT subjects appear on your marksheet with the original fail status until cleared
- Your degree is only awarded after ALL subjects (including ATKTs) are cleared
- Most employers and higher education institutions accept ATKT history as long as you eventually pass
How Many Backlogs Are Allowed?
The number of ATKTs allowed varies by program. Here are the most common rules:
| Program | ATKTs Allowed for Promotion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BCom / BA / BSc (CBCS) | Up to 50% of total subjects in a year | E.g., if you have 12 subjects in a year, you can carry up to 6 ATKTs |
| BSc IT / BSc CS | Up to 4 subjects per year | Theory and practical counted separately |
| Engineering (BE/BTech) | Varies — typically 3-4 per year | Some colleges follow stricter rules. Check your autonomous college rules if applicable |
| LLB 3 Years | Up to 4 subjects per year | Must clear all before final year exam |
| BLS-LLB 5 Years | Up to 4 subjects per year | Same as LLB 3 years |
| BMS / BMM / BBI / BAF | Up to 50% of subjects | Follows CBCS rules |
| MCom / MA / MSc (PG) | Typically 2-3 subjects | Stricter than UG programs |
Important: These are general guidelines. Some autonomous colleges and specific programs may have different rules. Always verify with your college examination cell.
Promotion Rules
- FY to SY: You can be promoted with ATKTs up to the allowed limit. If you exceed the limit, you must repeat the year.
- SY to TY: Same rule. Additionally, some programs require you to clear all FY ATKTs before entering TY.
- Final year: You must clear ALL backlogs (from all years) to be eligible for the final degree.
When Can You Re-Appear?
Mumbai University typically conducts exams twice a year:
- Regular exam: April-May (even semesters) and October-November (odd semesters)
- Re-exam / supplementary: Usually held 2-3 months after results are declared
You can attempt ATKT subjects in any subsequent exam cycle. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
What to Do If You Have ATKTs
- Calculate what you need — Use our Exam Marks Calculator to find the minimum score needed to clear each subject. Your internal marks are already locked in.
- Practice with previous papers — The exam pattern does not change for ATKT re-exams. Check our question paper library for your course.
- Prioritize — If you have multiple ATKTs, clear the ones from earlier years first. Some programs require clearing FY backlogs before giving the TY degree.
- Check your attendance — Some colleges require minimum attendance even for ATKT candidates in the current semester. Use our Attendance Calculator to stay safe.
- Apply on time — ATKT exam forms have separate deadlines. Miss the deadline and you wait another 6 months.
Does ATKT Affect Your Degree?
Once you clear all subjects, your degree certificate does not mention ATKT. Your marksheet will show the attempt in which you passed, but the final degree is the same as any other student who passed in the regular attempt.
For placements, most companies only care about your final CGPI/percentage and whether you have a degree. A few top companies may ask about backlogs during the interview — be honest about it.