PU entrance tests come under fire

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13: Entrance tests, which were introduced by Panjab University with much fanfare have been the focus of criticism from va...

CHANDIGARH, Dec 13: Entrance tests, which were introduced by Panjab University with much fanfare have been the focus of criticism from various quarters. The PU which had taken the lead in introducing the entrance test for admission to B.Com has been the first to scrap the entrance test.

With Punjab Education Minister Manjit Singh Calcutta also voicing his opinion against the proliferation of entrance tests, universities are once again rethinking on the issue. A major change has been introduced by the PU for the engineering entrance test with the engineering entrance test now consisting of two sections, one each on subjective and objective questions.

University teachers say that reintroduction of the subjective portion ensures that students pay proper attention to theoretical aspects of the subject as well. Apart from this, teachers feel that subjective questions in the entrance test will force students back to the classrooms.

While changes in the pattern of examination may or may not force students back to the classrooms when many students skip classes to join tuition academies, one city college has ensured that classes are held regularly. The local DAV College, with a new principal at the helm of affairs, has managed to wean students back to the classrooms by ensuring that proper attendance registers are maintained and those who miss classes are penalised. The college principal, R.C.Jeewan, who took over the college under difficult circumstances can rightly claim credit for restoring academic atmosphere in the college. Whether enforcement of discipline remains confined to merely DAV College, Chandigarh or is followed by others remains to be seen.