University Grants Commission (UGC) recently issued a public notice regarding the upcoming CUET 2022 examination. In an unprecedented move, students have to appear for the Common University Entrance Exam (CUET) 2022 for admission to UG and PG programmes in all UGC funded Central Universities. So, instead of Class 12 board exam marks, the entrance exam performance will be taken into consideration. This initiative has garnered a mixed response, with many questioning the role of Class 12 board exams.
The UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar had earlier, confirmed that Class 12 marks will not be used for final admission. They may be used for ascertaining a student’s eligibility to apply for CUET 2022. This statement has sparked a debate among educational institutions, particularly with regard to the dwindling importance of schools.
Cut-Off System – An Age old Practice
Those in favour of CUET 2022 examination state that the age-old practice of cut-off marks will no longer fall into play from the academic year 2022-23. The system was relevant in the past when cut-offs were substantially low. However, in today’s day and age, when Delhi University (DU) witnesses 100% cut-off, this system does not provide an even playing field. However, the entrance exam shall provide equal opportunity to all students, reiterated the principal of Hansraj college.
According to an official choosing to remain anonymous, each education board has a distinct way of evaluating students. While some are generous towards their students, others implement a strict marking system. Invariably, some students get an advantage over others resulting in admission o top colleges. CUET 2022 attempts to homogenise the exiting irregular admission system, across all central universities.
Shrinking Role of Schools
While most educational institutions are in favour of CUET 2022, other worry about the dwindling importance of schools as educational institutions. Sudha Acharya, the chairperson of the National Progressive Schools Conference is one such entity opposing the entrance exam.
If Class 12 board exams marks are not taken into consideration for UG admission, it is bound to impact the importance of schools, implied Acharya. Already, parents have reduced the rold of schools to mere “board exam centres”. This will benefit coaching institutes which plan on providing assistance to crack the CUET 2022 examination.
Schools however, play a more prominent role than mere exam centres. They impart core values and life skills, in addition to focusing on academics. However, the introduction of CUET will severely endanger the importance of schools, the chairperson stated.
Amid growing debate regarding the importance of schools, NTA is likely to release the CUCET 2022 information brochure soon. This brochure will put an end to the growing debate and doubt regarding one question – how will UGC incorporate Class 12 marks into UG admission process?
