The new academic year 2021-22 might face a unique approach in terms of formulation of merit based results, seat reservation, eligibility criteria and timeline for admission to Undergraduate (UG) higher education. Professors of degree and junior colleges state the cancellation of major Class 12 examinations of all boards will directly impact and pave a new methodology for admissions to higher education.
Danish Sharma, a senior professor of Economics said, "Merit is the basis for admission to various UG programmes. Final Class 12 board exams, even though may seem as a test of memory, provide results to gauge the meritorious position of a student. Also, students work hard throughout the year and look at Class 12 board exams as a final opportunity to improve their scores."
Sharma added, "But now, with board exams cancelled, formulating results of students based on objective criterion via internal assessment might affect their final scores. Admissions to various UG programmes in degree colleges will have to be tweaked based on the meritorious performance of students despite not having appeared for final Class 12 board exams. Timeline for admissions will change too as all exams and competitive tests have been deferred this year due to the Covid-19 situation."
The Union Ministry of Education has already scrapped the eligibility criteria of scores required in Class 12 board exams for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and JEE Advanced for admission to professional courses. Poonam Marwah, an engineering professor said, "Students have to give their best in JEE Main and JEE Advanced as the entire eligibility criteria for admissions to technical courses has changed. Their admission solely depends on the scores in these competitive tests."
Chandrayan Kamallan, a marketing and finance professor, said, "The scrapping of seat reservation for the Maratha quota under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) has made available additional seats for open category students. The scope for admission to UG courses for higher education is going to be highly competitive and different this year."