ONE NATION, ONE TEST: A Bold Step Toward Academic Reform

ONE NATION, ONE TEST: A Bold Step Toward Academic Reform

I propose the concept of “ONE NATION ONE TEST” for engineering admissions, a model that can be extended to other academic streams. If implemented, this system would be cost-effective, significantly reduce mental and physical stress among aspiring students, and offer a fair, standardized method for admissions.

 This viewpoint stems from my deep understanding of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) system, shaped by my experience as a student, research scholar, faculty member, General Secretary of the IITD Faculty Forum, and President of the All India IIT Faculty Federation since 1978. Extensive discussions with students, parents, and faculty members have further reinforced the need for this reform.

 The Proposed Model

• A single standardized examination, “ONE NATION ONE TEST,” is conducted 3–4 times a year, following a model similar to the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• Students should be allowed to use their best score for admission to any institute within a validity period of two years.
• The system would establish a common merit list for IITs and other institutions, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates.

 Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Some faculty members at IITs have expressed concerns, but these seem more emotional than grounded in realistic evaluation. The scientific design of the exam will ensure true merit-based selection. Introducing a +1 & -1 marking scheme will minimize guesswork and lead to qualitative and relative grading, making the process more accurate.

 Learning from Global Standards

Top U.S. universities, including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech, admit students purely based on GRE scores. Why can’t IITs and other Indian institutions adopt a similar approach to ensure merit-driven admissions?

 Some have suggested assigning weightage to 10+2 marks alongside JEE scores. However, with multiple Senior Secondary Boards offering varied grading standards, achieving a truly normalized merit ranking would be next to impossible and would invite controversy. Instead, JEE should follow the GRE pattern, with 10+2 serving as a qualifying criterion, ensuring fairness.

 Ensuring the Right Examination Design

• JEE Mains must cover the full CBSSE 10+2 curriculum to encourage students to take school academics seriously.
• Emphasis must be on application-based learning rather than rote memorization, ensuring analytical capability is tested.
• JEE Advanced should be discontinued, as a second screening does not necessarily guarantee better-quality students—a single, well-designed test is sufficient.
• IITs are naturally attractive to top students due to their global reputation, making a single national exam a viable selection method.

 Eliminating Unnecessary Stress & Exploitation

The second screening (JEE Advanced) adds unnecessary stress, leading to emotional, mental, and financial exploitation of students and parents. Stopping after ONE NATION ONE TEST would ensure a transparent and fair system, eliminating undue pressure.

 Additionally, this reform could significantly curb the multi-million-rupee private coaching industry, which burdens students and parents financially and psychologically.

 Government’s Role in Implementation

Given that IITs receive liberal funding from the Government of India, the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) can push for this change and establish an independent, autonomous national body to oversee the implementation of ONE NATION ONE TEST.

 This bold and progressive reform will have strong support from students and parents, ensuring that the Indian education system aligns with modern, globally recognized admission frameworks.