IIT entrance formula draws mixed reactions

The proposal to allow only the top 20 percentile students from each education board to qualify for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), has drawn mixed reactions.

The proposal to allow only the top 20 percentile students from each education board to qualify for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), has drawn mixed reactions.

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On Wednesday, the IIT council agreed on a ‘compromise formula’ doing away with the Class 12 board marks in determining IIT entry, but using it as a screening device. “We had circulated this formula among senate members earlier. Most faculty members are positive about it,” said an IIT-Bombay faculty member. The council’s decision will be discussed at IIT-B’s senate meeting on July 5,

However, many pointed out flaws. “The basis of choosing the top 20 percentile is not clear,” said a faculty member. “Can you be sure that students in the 80-90 percentile of one board are better than those between 70-80 percentile of another?”

Others are concerned that this will increase stress, instead of reducing it, as the plan envisions. “Students will have to prepare
for two exams,” said Praveen Tyagi, director of a coaching institute.

The IIT Delhi Alumni Association met on Thursday evening and opposed the solution saying it should be kept on hold for a year.