I was a student of one of the autonomous engineering colleges in karnataka. I think, this qualifies me to answer your question.
In autonomous curriculum, there is a shift of focus from examination centric system to students learning centric system, as course structure will be decided by that particular college according to the industry needs.
Syllabus: Autonomous colleges reviews and revives its syllabus, teaching methodology quite frequently(mostly biennial). Every autonomous college has its own syllabus and evaluation methods. Where as in VTU curriculum revision takes place over five years are so. Every VTU college adheres to the norms of VTU.
In these days of global competitiveness and knowledge explosion, it is important that we develop,sustain and in tandem with technological advancement.
Examination:
Autonomous colleges conduct their examinations on their own. Question papers will be set either by their own faculty or by an expert in that field.
Evaluation of answer scripts will be made by two evaluators (Internal and external evaluators).
In VTU, question papers will be set by subject experts. Evaluation takes place by exchange of answer scripts among the regions of VTU.