The Centre is considering a review of the difficulty level of entrance exams such as JEE and NEET to ensure they match the Class 12 curriculum and students do not have to rely heavily on coaching, sources told PTI. The review will be based on feedback from an expert panel that has been set up to look into issues related to coaching.
“The panel is analysing data to study if the difficulty level of exams is in sync with the difficulty level of class 12 curriculum, which is the basis of these exams. Some parents and faculty members of coaching institutions feel that there is a mismatch between the two, which ultimately increases dependence on coaching,” a source said.
“Based on the panel’s feedback, it will be considered to review the difficulty
level of these entrance exams,” the source added.
In June, the Ministry of Education formed a nine-member committee to examine problems linked to coaching, the rise of ‘dummy schools’, and the fairness of entrance examinations. The panel is chaired by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and will suggest ways to reduce students’ reliance on coaching centres for higher studies.
“The committee is examining the gaps in the current schooling system that contribute to students’ reliance on coaching centres, particularly the limited focus on critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical skills and innovation and the prevalence of rote learning practices,” the source said.
The committee is also looking at the lack of awareness among students and parents about multiple career choices, the impact of this gap on the focus on a few top institutions, and the need for better career counselling services in schools and colleges. Strengthening career guidance frameworks will also be a key focus.
Members of the panel include the chairman of CBSE, joint secretaries from the school education and higher education departments, representatives from IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, IIT Kanpur, NCERT, and principals of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and a private school.
Coaching institutes in India have faced criticism over student suicides, fire incidents, poor facilities, and their teaching practices. The government’s move comes after receiving complaints related to these issues.
