On CUET: Centralising tests 

News: The UGC has decided to conduct a Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission from 2022-23 in undergraduate programmes in all the Central Universities (CUs) funded by it.  

Background

Madhuri R. Shah Committee (1984) recommended a national merit examination for the Central Universities.  

The govt advocates for ‘one nation, one standard’ maxim in different sectors. 

The National Education Policy (NEP) also advocates for a common entrance examination for undergraduate and graduate admissions and fellowships. It should be conducted by the National Testing Agency  

What are some challenges?

The test would be based on the NCERT syllabus, which is followed largely in CBSE schools. But a vast majority of students do not study in CBSE board but in State Boards. 

The policy does not include Class XII marks as one of the parameters for determining the merit.  

The students, whose learning process was disrupted by COVID-19, may find it challenging to clear the test. The test is being introduced just ahead of an admission season.  

The test might affect the interest of State domiciles of students to secure admission in a university in the North-Eastern State. 

What way is forward?

In the instant case, the UGC has clarified the existing scheme of reservations in individual universities would not be disturbed

Source: The post is based on an article “Centralising tests” published in The Hindu on 30th Mar 22. 

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