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Raising the bar for IIT entrance
The proposal is inconsistent and self-contradictory (editorial, “Raising the bar: Stiffer IIT entry criteria is welcome”, Oct 23 and news report, “IITs talked about entry bar much before Sibal” by Aditi Tandon, Oct 21). A caution is needed before welcoming it as a step in the right direction. Since an element of chance always exists in every examination, what if a student with a high percentage in Class XII examination has a JEE score much lower than that of the student with a lower percentage in the board examination. To plug these loopholes an appropriate weightage should be given to the annual examination. However, the present eligibility bar of 60 per cent should not be increased. The editorial has rightly stated that as of now education in senior classes in school has become coaching-centric. It is a direct outcome of the fact that while incorporating changes in syllabi for different subjects, we are a bit too ambitious and ignore the classroom time available for its completion within the school environment. It is difficult to understand how revising the eligibility cut-off would help tame teaching shops. On the other hand, the education mafia operating in coaching centres will be all the more pleased to continue with their designs because students will be under extra pressure to score higher percentage marks for eligibility. The concern for students from deprived and under-privileged sections is appreciable. However, more specific steps can take care of the interest of students cutting across all classes. Dr I M JOSHI, Chandigarh
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II The IIT Council’s long pending call for reform in the JEE is worth reckoning. We must ensure that students entering these premier institutes have clear concepts and possess creative potential. Besides, raising the bar for entry to IITs, the JEE system of evaluation needs to be changed so that there is greater stress on conceptual learning and critical thinking. Dr RAJNI SHARMA, Jalandhar City III The move will definitely encourage students especially those studying in small cities and rural areas. Presently, a large majority of students whose parents can afford the exorbitant fees of coaching centres qualify entrance examinations. However, there is no need to increase the existing cut-off percentage. The result of entrance examinations must give 50 per cent weightage to Class XII Board examination and 50 per cent to the IIT entrance test. Besides, before taking a final decision on the eligibility criterion, the syllabi and pattern of examinations all over the country should be made uniform. NIRANJAN SINGH, Chandigarh Balanced growth Under the leadership of Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, once again, there will be imbalanced growth in Haryana. All big projects have already been set up in Mr Hooda’s constituency. The only ray of hope this time is a strong Opposition, which can act as watchdog, and demand balanced development encompassing all the districts of the state. YASH
VARDHAN, Yamunanagar
No crackers
The editorial “When saviours die” (Oct 20) was apt. But I regret to mention that soon the tragedy will be history. We will make the same mistakes. Besides, remembering that prevention is better than cure, let us pledge, to say no to firecrackers and let Diwali be the festival of lights only. HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt |
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