Ending the Cut Off Race

Context: The proposal for the mandatory common entrance exam for universities (conducted by National Testing Agency) is expected to end the oppressive reign of cut-off marks based on Class XII Board exams.

Significance of Common Entrance Exam (CEE) for Universities

• Focuses on conceptual understanding: where individual interests and talent get primacy during admissions and Board exams marks alone are not a barometer of knowledge and intelligence.
• Removes strict compartmentalisation: of Arts, Science and Commerce, so that students can choose subjects based on their interests.
• Disincentivises rote learning: through the formalisation of an SAT-like (conducted in the United States) module.
• Focuses on the holistic growth of students: by removing the need for coaching classes for Class XII exams.
• Resolves issue of different boards: having varied curriculum and evaluation patterns, and the resultant discrepancies.

Conclusion: CEE will allow universities to see every student’s individual subject portfolio and decide on admissions based on aptitude, absorption and curiosity.