Multiple outlets report that an Education Ministry panel is considering changes to admissions for medical and engineering courses that currently rely mainly on NEET and JEE scores, with board exam marks serving as an eligibility criterion. According to the reports, the proposal would give board exam marks a 50% weightage in the merit or admission process, making board results as influential as entrance exam scores. The discussions are linked to concerns about the credibility and fairness of the examination system, with sources citing issues such as evaluation errors and paper leaks.
The idea is being examined by a nine-member committee formed under the Ministry of Education last year. Alongside the suggested weightage change, the panel is also reportedly considering broader reforms intended to reduce students’ dependence on coaching, address concerns such as “dummy schools,” and make high-stakes testing more aligned with school syllabi. Some reporting also mentions potential moves toward multiple attempts and a gradual shift toward adaptive, on-demand computer-based testing. The committee’s final report is expected to be submitted to the government in the coming weeks.
