India could soon make a major change to admissions for medical and engineering courses. The Central government is considering a proposal to give Class 12 board examination marks a 50% weightage in admissions alongside entrance exams such as NEET and JEE, according to a PTI report citing sources. The move aims to reduce students' dependence on coaching centres and create a fairer admission system.

Centre considers giving Class 12 board marks equal weight

The government is reviewing a proposal to give Class 12 board exam scores and entrance test scores equal importance in admissions. If approved, board marks would contribute 50% to the final merit list, while entrance exam scores would make up the remaining 50%. The proposal is still under review and has not received final approval.

Committee studies reforms to the admission system

The Ministry of Education formed a nine-member committee last year to examine the issue. The panel is studying students' growing dependence on coaching centres, the rise of "dummy schools," and concerns about the fairness of entrance examinations. Its goal is to recommend changes that reduce pressure on students and improve the admission process.

How does the current system work?

At present, admissions to medical and engineering colleges depend mainly on entrance exam scores. Students must secure the minimum qualifying marks in their Class 12 board exams to appear for NEET or JEE. However, colleges do not currently include board marks in the final admission merit. The proposed system would change that by giving equal weight to both.

Why is the government planning this change?

Officials want to reduce the pressure of a single high-stakes examination. Instead of relying only on entrance tests, the new model would also reward consistent performance in school.

A source told PTI, "The changes being contemplated are 50 per cent weightage for board marks in admission merit, closer alignment of entrance tests with school syllabi to reduce dependence on coaching centres, multiple attempts and a gradual shift towards adaptive on-demand computer-based tests."

Entrance exams may match school syllabus

The committee has suggested aligning entrance exams more closely with the school curriculum. This change could reduce students' dependence on coaching institutes. It would also encourage students to focus more on classroom learning.

Multiple attempts under consideration

The panel is also reviewing other reforms. It is considering allowing students to take entrance exams multiple times. The committee also wants to gradually introduce adaptive, on-demand computer-based tests to provide greater flexibility.

Reforms follow recent exam controversies

The government began reviewing the system after several examination controversies. Paper leaks, evaluation errors and concerns over transparency raised questions about the credibility of high-stakes entrance exams. The proposed reforms aim to improve fairness and restore confidence in the admission process.

Final report expected soon

The committee is expected to submit its final report to the government in the coming weeks. If the Centre accepts the recommendations, India's admission system for professional courses could undergo one of its biggest changes in recent years, with Class 12 board marks playing a much larger role alongside NEET and JEE scores.