Centre gears up to hold a common entrance test for admissions to universities

NEW DELHI: The central government has set up a panel to recommend the modalities and implementation of a common aptitude test for admissions to undergraduate level programmes in Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and all other central universities.

The seven-member committee, headed by the Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, RP Tiwari will explore the possibilities of holding a single entrance test from the upcoming session and will put up its recommendations within a month.

The committee includes the DG-NTA, joint secretary, Ministry of Education and the vice-chancellors of Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Central University of Bihar, and Central University of Mizoram.

The new National Education Policy 2020, approved by the union cabinet has proposed a common entrance test for higher educational institutes. If the committee charts out a conducive plan to implement this proposal, the skyscraping cut offs of Delhi University will become a matter of the yesteryears.

As per a report by the Times Now, "The computer-based common aptitude test would evaluate the students in basic aptitude including verbal aptitude, logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude." The test will be mandatory for all candidates who wish to apply for admissions to these varsities.

The common aptitude test is likely to be held from the admission session 2021-22 by the National Testing Agency (NTA). There will also be specialized common tests for different subjects. As per the initial planning, the test may be held only once in 2021, however, after 2021-22, the plan is to hold the exam twice a year.

The Indian Express has quoted higher education secretary, Amit Khare saying, “Conducting a common entrance test seems simple but there are several intricacies. For instance, given the range of subjects offered across central universities, this committee will have to identify the disciplines for which separate tests will be needed. We expect a report by January and hope to make a decision by March 2021. The attempt is to have a common entrance test for the next session starting in August.”

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