The Indian government is considering a review of the difficulty standards for prominent entrance examinations such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The primary objective of this review is to ensure that the complexity of these exams closely matches the difficulty level of the Class 12 curriculum. This move is also intended to lessen the dependence of students on private coaching institutions, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This comprehensive review will be informed by the findings and feedback gathered from an expert panel that was established earlier this year. The panel’s mandate includes examining various issues surrounding the coaching industry and entrance examinations.
“The panel is actively analyzing data to determine if the current difficulty level of these exams is appropriately aligned with the Class 12 curriculum, which serves as their foundation,” a source revealed. “There’s a sentiment among some parents and coaching faculty that a mismatch exists, leading to increased reliance on coaching classes.”
Following the panel’s recommendations, the government will evaluate potential adjustments to the difficulty levels of these crucial entrance exams.
In June, the Ministry of Education constituted a nine-member committee tasked with investigating matters related to coaching centers, the phenomenon of ‘dummy schools’ (schools that primarily enroll students for coaching rather than academics), and the overall effectiveness and fairness of entrance examinations.
Led by the Higher Education Secretary, Vineet Joshi, this committee is expected to propose strategies to decrease students’ dependence on coaching centers for their higher education transitions.
“The committee is looking into the existing gaps within the school education system that foster student reliance on coaching,” the source added. “This includes examining the limited emphasis on critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical skills, and innovation, as well as the prevalent practice of rote learning.”
Furthermore, the panel’s terms of reference encompass assessing student and parent awareness of diverse career paths, evaluating the effectiveness of career counseling services in educational institutions, and recommending improvements to career guidance frameworks.
The panel members include key figures such as the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), joint secretaries from the school education and higher education departments, representatives from prestigious institutions like IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, IIT Kanpur, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), along with principals from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and a private school.
The government’s consideration of this review comes in light of numerous controversies surrounding coaching centers, including reports of student suicides, fire incidents, inadequate facilities, and questionable teaching methodologies.