Chandigarh: Bunking classes at the Panjab University would not be a cake-walk any more. Students' attendance records and academic performance would be available to parents through an SMS.

Three students of the computer science department of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) have developed a software that allows users to know attendance and examination record by sending a message to a particular mobile number.

In the beginning, this service would be launched only in the UIET and based on the response it would be extended to other departments.

"Now parents would not require to wait for months to know whether their wards are regular in studies or not. We are very excited about the response as this is a revolutionary step taken in this university," said R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor.

The varsity also announced a cash reward of Rs.5,000 each for the three students and Rs.10,000 each for two faculty members who guided them in their project.

"Now the university does not require hiring the services of a telecom firm to provide this facility. We have our own software and server and it has saved a huge chunk of money," said Amandeep Singh, one of the mentors of the project.

The Panjab University, one of the oldest universities in the country, is spread over an area of 550 acres in Sectors 14 and 25. There are over 60 teaching and research departments with student’s enrolment of over 10,000. IANS