DPS Mathura Road principal: School board exams life’s easiest tests; CBSE no less than international boards

Ram Singh, principal Delhi Public School (DPS) Mathura Road, speaks to Careers360 on various aspects of school education from coaching to National Education Policy (NEP), from artificial intelligence (AI) to assessment and many more.

How has your journey from Ranchi to DPS Mathura Road shaped your understanding of students and their aspirations?

I began my journey with DPS in 1995 as a physics teacher and later served as HOD and principal at DPS Bokaro, DPS Korba, DPS Ranchi (over 11 years), and now DPS Mathura Road. Having worked in smaller cities, I’ve observed that students there are highly disciplined, and focused towards competitive exams.

In Delhi, students enjoy broader exposure, pursue diverse skills, and actively engage in sports, writing, debates, and other co-curricular activities, while also exploring non-traditional and global career paths.

The difference is focus versus exposure: smaller-city students bring academic rigor, metropolitan students bring wider perspectives. Balancing these strengths fosters well-rounded, future-ready individuals.

The NEP has been implemented in most schools . Do you follow NEP guidelines? What were the challenges of implementation?

Yes, we follow the NEP guidelines. NEP represents the future of education. Today, children come to school not only for academic learning but also for overall development.

Earlier initiatives like Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) were steps in the right direction, as they emphasized holistic assessment. NEP 2020 further strengthens this approach by focusing on competencies, abilities, and skills along with academic knowledge. Students are encouraged not only to answer questions but also to think independently and ask questions.

We have modified our question paper patterns across junior, middle, and senior classes. We now include case studies and situational questions.

But the main challenge is orienting parents toward these changes. Some initially resist due to traditional expectations of marks and examinations. So, we regularly communicate with parents helping them understand the importance and benefits of this new approach.

With AI and digital tools now part of classrooms , how do you see them shaping students’ learning and development? Are there risks?

AI is no longer the future, it's the present. For students, it’s a gateway to exploration, creativity, and new career paths. Children today are naturally tech-savvy, quick to learn, and eager to experiment. When used wisely, AI can make learning faster, smarter, and far more engaging. But there’s a catch. Overdependence on AI risks dulling creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The key is balance. Schools must set clear, ethical guidelines to ensure AI supports learning rather than becoming a shortcut . It should enhance understanding, not replace it. Equally important is preserving real-world experiences – teamwork, sports, and social interactions are also essential for emotional intelligence and social skills.

Also read AI is reshaping classrooms, but human mentorship and thoughtful integration hold the key

What do you think is missing today and should be part of the school curriculum?

I feel life skills and real-world experiences are missing from schools today. Earlier, children built meaningful relationships with teachers and peers, learning respect, empathy, and social values alongside academics. Today, they may excel in knowledge but often lack clarity of thought and emotional balance.

Initiatives like a human library, where professionals share their life experiences, can teach students how to think critically, understand society, and navigate challenges. From a policy perspective, schools should integrate programmes that cultivate thinking, reflection, and life skills as core curriculum components.

Do you address these life skills and values in your school?

Yes, we actively talk to students about the importance of these skills. Many of them are exceptional academically but are confused about their future. Today, confusion doesn’t come from lack of information, but from too much information. Students have access to everything via Google, social media, and the internet, unlike our time, when information was limited.

The world is evolving rapidly. AI, for example, has transformed careers in just a few years. We focus on building a strong foundation in children so they can learn, adapt, and thrive in a world where change is the only constant.

How is the school moving beyond rote learning in its assessment methods?

Traditionally, up to the board exams say, till Class 12 students are evaluated through pen-and-paper tests . Beyond that, especially in competitive exams, the mode of assessment is changing. Many of these exams, like CUET , are now computer-based. The pattern of the question paper itself is evolving. In the past, exams largely tested memory definitions, facts, and direct questions. Students would often rely on rote learning to succeed. Today, the focus has shifted to higher-order thinking.

This is a deliberate change. Assessment is no longer just about memorising content, it's about nurturing thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Also read ‘More exhausting than manual’: How CBSE on-screen marking system is draining teachers it was meant to help

Parents get confused choosing schools because of so many options – CBSE, Cambridge or IB, US AP, Australian curriculum. How do they decide which one is best?

Each curriculum has its strengths. For younger children, we have introduced the Cambridge curriculum because it is activity- and play-based. It also emphasises literature and languages.

However, after the foundational years, I believe children should transition to the CBSE curriculum. Many parents think international boards are superior, but CBSE is not less than any of them.

In fact, CBSE is evolving to meet international standards. I have personally been involved in committees with the HRD ministry discussing the development of the CBSE International Board, which aims to extend CBSE schools even outside India.

As an academician, what reforms do you think should be part of the overall school education system?

NEP 2020 has brought much-needed flexibility, allowing students to choose subjects like physics, geography, or arts and even switch streams. However, I feel human values, respect, responsibility, sense of national and social duty should be more deeply embedded in school education.

Many parents face a dilemma: should they send their child to a day school or a boarding school? What’s your take?

In my view, day schools are generally preferable, though good boarding schools have their place. In a day school, children spend meaningful time with both parents and teachers. Holistic education works best when there is coordination between home and school. Boarding schools may provide structure, but long-term residential schooling can disconnect children from their roots.

Mental health is becoming a major concern. Do you think technology and cellphones contribute to this?

Technology is both a boon and a challenge. Today, instant messaging and social media have made interactions fast but shallow. Students often react impulsively, which can affect mental wellbeing. Guidance from teachers and parents is critical to help children navigate.

Also read Reels, Gaming, Burnout: How schools, parents are drawing India’s smartphone generation back to books, sports

Any message for students struggling with stress, low marks, anxiety?

School exams are among the easiest and most predictable exams in life. Exams should be approached lightly, with preparation and confidence, not fear. Students should share problems with teachers and parents, and focus on effort rather than just results.

How do you see the gap between elite, well-resourced schools and under-resourced schools?

There is certainly a gap. Students in elite schools have better infrastructure, more resources, and exposure to career options, while under-resourced schools often lack trained teachers, guidance, and information.

However, technology is bridging this gap. Online classes, educational broadcasts, and initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha allow students in remote areas to access the same learning content as those in Delhi. The challenge is to ensure consistent access and mentorship.

D oes DPS Mathura Road offer scholarships?

We don’t offer cash scholarships for admissions. Instead, we support bright and sincere students by providing expert guidance and coaching for competitive exams like JEE Mains, NEET, IPMAT, CLAT, CUET, and others. Similarly, we prepare younger students for Olympiads.

What are your thoughts on the coaching industry?

Coaching and tuition were originally meant to address doubts and supplement school learning. However, over time, this has become an alternative to schooling, and that is harmful.

Parents must understand that no coaching can replace parents or teachers. Sending a child to multiple coaching classes often disrupts focus, increases stress, and diminishes happiness.

Accountability is another concern. Schools are accountable for the child’s learning, coachings are not.

Also read What changes with AP Draft Coaching Rules? 5-hour cap, fee refunds, district panels with ‘civil court powers’

What is your take on the CBSE’s two-board exam system ?

The two-exam system by CBSE is meant to reduce stress while giving students a second chance to improve. The first exam is compulsory, covering all subjects. If one feels the need to improve marks in certain subjects, they can appear for the second one. This approach replaces the old compartment system with a more supportive and flexible evaluation.