Even as the government is struggling to address the issues raised by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with regard to the joint entrance examination for engineering undergraduate courses, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal, on Monday held a meeting with the Deemed-to-be-Universities, to discuss the common entrance test, and implementation of uniform accounting standards in these institutions.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Sibal suggested the setting up of a council for all the Deemed-to-be-Universities to co-ordinate matters of common interest with the representation of Vice-Chancellors, prominent academicians, and UGC/MHRD.
The concept and modalities of JEE were explained to the participants, and detailed discussions were held. It was explained to them that the proposal was to have a single exam in engineering, giving weightage to School Board marks for all CFTI (Centrally-Funded Technical Institutions) and the Deemed-to-be-Universities were welcome to join it, so that not only is the system of exam streamlined, the stress and inconvenience to the students is also reduced. Deemed-to-be-Universities would have the freedom to choose appropriate weightage for performance in Class XII Boards and JEE.MAIN/AIEEE. Those Deemed-to-be Universities wanting to give 100 per cent weightage to Class XII Board marks were also welcome. However, the stress was on having no test in addition to these.
After detailed discussions, the Deemed-to-be-Universities welcomed the proposal of having a single exam and giving weightage to School Board marks, but made no commitments.
On adoption of uniform accounting standards in all the Deemed-to-be-Universities, it was decided to organise the Capacity Building Programme, on uniform accounting standards through UGC. A standard e-package of the accounting system would be provided to all the educational institutions.
According to S. Vaidhyasubramaniam of Sastra University, it was a good first step, as it provides optimal balance between board marks and common entrance test scores.
“It has also addressed the fear of rural students, as the new formula allows Deemed-to-be-Universities and States to also give 100 per cent weightage to normalised Plus 2 marks,” he told The Hindu .
