You must Sign In to post a response.
  • Category: Admissions

    Which process of elimination is good? Entrance examination or merit?

    The admissions to professional courses were done previously by considering the merit at the qualifying examination. Then the conduct of the entrance examination came into practice. The admissions criteria changed to the rank obtained at the entrance examination. The students had to prepare for the entrance examination immediately after the qualifying examination. This was an extra burden and mental tension for the students. The coaching centers came into existence and they were the main beneficiaries. The practice of entrance examinations extended to many courses.

    The students had to prepare for the subjects very well as the examination papers contained essay-type questions, short answer questions, and solving of problems based on the subject learned. There was no element of luck involved in this type of examination. The entrance examination paper consists of objective type of questions with each question having four choices. Here the element of luck has a chance. The meritorious students face elimination even though they have good subject knowledge. The entrance examination may be preferred for those courses which have heavy demand but conducting them for many of the courses is not advisable. What is your say?
  • #772824
    I always feel Merit should be the criteria for admission to higher classes but not separate admissions tests. During the 1970s and the 1980s, all admissions were based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination only. Engineering and medical seats were also allotted based on the marks obtained only.
    But the evaluation system changed over a period of time. When I was doing SSC, spelling mistakes are also pointed out and marks were being deducted for these spelling mistakes. First-class pass outs were very less those days. Third class pass outs are more and the total pass percentage was also very less. Even a candidate who passed intermediate in second class was getting a seat in an Engineering college.
    But these days evaluation is very liberal. The majority of students are passing the examinations with distinction only. No third-class pass out these days. Because of this liberal evaluation method, only the concept of an entrance test came into existence.

    drrao
    always confident

  • #772840
    There are so many schools and colleges in our country that it is very difficult to bring them to par in respect of the score of the students obtained in the respective institution. So making a merit list based on that will have many shortcomings. That was the main problem why centralized entrance exams either at the state level or center level were devised and the same are being conducted successfully.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #772843
    KVRR Sir has raised a very pertinent issue which is frequently being discussed not only among the educationists, but also among the guardians and the students. Two other members have also mentioned relevant points on this aspect. And the result of the discussion is not yet settled.
    In earlier days, merit-based elimination system was in vogue. At that time, students used to get marks in Board examination or University examination according to their quality, analytical ability, furnishing additional information on the topic, handwriting, correct spelling and time management. So, marks obtained by the students used to reflect their ability and quality.
    Nowadays, marks are given on the replies MCQ-type questions and even 80% marks are considered poor. So, proper elimination cannot be done on the basis of marks. Due to this factor, nowadays elimination is done based upon the performance of the students in the entrance examination. But, these entrance examinations create more strain and pressure in the minds of students and guardians.
    Now, considering these aspects, a different method of combining the marks obtained by the candidates and the performance in the entrance examination is being developed. But, as I have said earlier, the debate is continuing on this issue.

    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #772890
    It was much better when every admission was based on merits. The checking, the marks and the percentage were much more competitive than that is now. The board exam results were the gauge to know one's standing and were apt for the university of boards to provide admission to courses only on the basis of the percentage the students got in their board exams.

    Nowadays, we all have separate entrance exams for admission to different courses. Every child and their parents or guardians must fill in examination forms for various courses/courses so they don't waste one year. There is NEET, JEE (Main & Advance), MST CET, NATA, NIFT, ACT, etc., and many institutions have their own entrance exams. The pressure and stress on students & parents are far more than what others feel.

    The leniency of checking in the board has added the burden on teachers, students, schools and parents to give more. The more is not only time but also adds money, status and stress. Let the government develop something that can be a single platform for students where they can just be happy with 1 entrance exam and choose what he/she would like to join.

    “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." — Morrie Schwartz

  • #772891
    The attitudes of the different examinations of Board Levels for both class ten and twelve have their liberal patterns where for most of the students securing more than 85 % marks in their final examinations are not uncommon. If examine the results of the candidates passing out CBSE or ISC Boards, it would serve our purpose how liberally the copies of the pupils are evaluated and in some subjects at least in science subjects, a lot of students secure 100% marks. This is understandable but if the same pattern in respect of evaluation of papers say English, Hindi, Economics and many more papers in this line are following the previous trends, it is indeed surprising. In this horse - race, the board of the different states are not in par with the CBSE & ISC patterns.
    Such a system of evaluation calls for the scrutiny of candidates for the pursuing of higher studies of different streams through the different means of examinations.
    Marks secured in the Board System would not serve the criteria for admission to medical and engineering streams simultaneously and that is why IIT entrance test, NEET tests and IIM tests have emerged for the intake of bright students for providing them the best matching courses for them.
    Needless to say, the present system of evaluation of the Boards has made this system redundant and we have opted for competitive tests for the different streams for scrutiny of deserving students. This system is likely to stay till some other mechanisms are being used in future.

  • #772901
    As someone who has both taken entrance examinations and been evaluated based on merit, I believe that both processes of elimination have their advantages and disadvantages.

    Entrance examinations provide a standardized evaluation of a student's knowledge and skills in a particular subject, which can be helpful in identifying the most qualified candidates for a particular program or institution. These exams are typically designed to assess a wide range of knowledge and skills, and can be a fair and objective way of selecting the most deserving candidates.

    On the other hand, merit-based evaluations rely on a student's past academic performance and achievements, which can be an indication of their overall potential for success. This approach can be helpful in recognizing the hard work and dedication of students who have consistently performed well in their academic careers.

    However, there are also potential downsides to both approaches. Entrance examinations can be stressful and can sometimes fail to accurately reflect a student's true potential. Merit-based evaluations can sometimes be influenced by external factors, such as socio-economic status or educational opportunities, which may not accurately reflect a student's abilities.

    Overall, I believe that a combination of both approaches can be the most effective way of selecting the most qualified candidates. This could involve using entrance examinations to identify a pool of top candidates, and then evaluating those candidates based on merit to ensure that the most deserving individuals are ultimately selected.

    Learn one more language and you will feed your brain the top nutrition!
    - Geeta

  • #773124
    The choice between using entrance examinations or a merit-based selection process depends on various factors, including the specific context and objectives of the selection process. Here are some considerations for each approach:

    Entrance Examinations:

    Standardized Assessment: Entrance examinations provide a standardized and objective way to evaluate candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities.
    Equal Opportunity: They ensure that all applicants are evaluated on a level playing field, regardless of their background or prior achievements.
    Selection of the Best: Entrance examinations aim to identify the most qualified candidates based on their performance in the specific test, allowing for a more competitive selection process.
    Merit-based Selection:

    Comprehensive Evaluation: Merit-based selection takes into account various factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and personal qualities, providing a holistic assessment of the candidates.
    Diverse Skill Sets: Merit-based selection acknowledges that academic performance alone may not fully capture a candidate's potential and considers a broader range of qualities and experiences.
    Subjectivity: Merit-based selection involves subjective judgment, as different evaluators may have varying interpretations of merit criteria.
    In practice, many selection processes combine elements of both approaches. For instance, universities may use entrance examinations as an initial screening method and then consider a candidate's overall merit, including their academic performance and other relevant factors.

    Ultimately, the choice between entrance examinations and a merit-based selection process depends on the specific goals, values, and requirements of the organization or educational institution conducting the selection. It's important to strike a balance between objectivity and fairness while considering the desired outcomes of the selection process. Are you looking for expert guidance and support to pursue your higher education goals abroad? Look no further than Cosmo Consultants!

    Don't let distance or uncertainty hold you back; contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your dreams of studying abroad!

  • #774415
    The choice between entrance examination and merit-based selection depends on various factors, including the specific context, the goals of the educational institution, and the characteristics of the student population. Both methods have their advantages and considerations:

    Entrance Examination:

    Objective Evaluation: Entrance exams are designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and aptitude of all applicants in a standardized manner. This can help ensure a fair and consistent evaluation process.

    Equal Opportunity: Entrance exams provide all applicants with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, regardless of their previous academic background.

    Focused Assessment: Entrance exams can be tailored to assess specific subject knowledge or aptitude relevant to the chosen course or program.

    Selection of the Best: Entrance exams aim to identify the most qualified and suitable candidates for the program, potentially leading to a higher caliber of students.

    Reduced Grade Inflation: In some cases, merit-based systems might lead to grade inflation, where students are awarded higher grades to improve their chances of admission. Entrance exams can help mitigate this issue.

    Merit-Based Selection:

    Recognizing Consistent Performance: Merit-based selection rewards students who have consistently performed well throughout their academic careers.

    Holistic Evaluation: Merit-based selection considers a broader range of qualities, such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership, and character.

    Simplicity: Merit-based selection can be simpler to implement and manage, especially for institutions with a large number of applicants.

    Less Stressful: For some students, a merit-based system can be less stressful than preparing for and taking entrance exams.

    Promoting Diversity: Merit-based selection can help promote diversity by considering a range of achievements beyond just exam performance.

    Ultimately, there is no universally "good" or "bad" choice between entrance examination and merit-based selection. Some educational institutions might opt for a combination of both methods to achieve a balanced and comprehensive evaluation process. The key is to ensure that the chosen method aligns with the institution's goals, promotes fairness, and accurately identifies students who are best suited for the program.

  • #774417
    The choice between the process of elimination through entrance examinations and merit-based selection has been a subject of debate for various educational institutions worldwide. Both methods aim to identify the most deserving candidates, but they differ significantly in their approach. Entrance examinations provide a standardized evaluation of applicants, testing their aptitude and knowledge in a specific field. This process ensures a level playing field for all candidates, enabling the selection of those who excel in the test. On the other hand, the merit-based selection focuses on evaluating a candidate's overall academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and personal qualities. This approach considers the candidate's holistic development, rewarding those who have consistently excelled throughout their academic journey. While entrance examinations may be efficient in gauging an applicant's potential in a particular subject, merit-based selection takes into account a broader range of qualities, fostering a diverse and well-rounded student body. Ultimately, the effectiveness of either process of elimination depends on the goals and values of the educational institution in question.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #774419
    The concept of entrance exam is in existence because people who decide our education policy know very well that education imparted at the schools, colleges and universities is not able to measure the aptitude of a student correctly. Instead of conducting an entrance exam for each and every thing if they could just make the education system better and such that skillful individuals came out as its product than I think entrance exam will become redundant.
    "It is hardest thing in the world to be good thinker without being a good self examiner"

  • #774437
    The education system is slowly changing and NEP is being implemented in phases now. More importance is being given to skill development in addition to academics. This may be a good beginning and students will get hands-on experience while doing their internship which has become mandatory for many courses.
    NEET, CUET and NET examinations are national-level entrance tests. Similarly for Engineering admission also a national level examination is brought, there will be less stress on the students, I feel.

    drrao
    always confident

  • #774440
    What the author is interested to know, I can say both entrances examination and merit both have the relevance. Of course, the entrance examination is the process of evaluation of the merits of the students. We cannot ignore either of the two.
    However, we must take care of the students providing them the chance of single entrance examination where they are to be screened throughly in both the aspects ie passing the written test followed by viva for determining their potentials. Selection of the candidates would be made based on achievement of their minimum cut - offs required for a particular institution.
    We need to appreciate both their merit and their ability to qualify the entancd examination set by the institution.

  • #774442
    Under the NEP regime many new changes are being incorporated and soon we will have a uniform syllabus all across the country. Once that is achieved then we can think of some centralised examination papers for the students of our country irrespective of their geographical locations. If such implementations are achieved in the future under the realm of NEP then we can go for a uniform merit based selection system in our country.
    Today entrance examinations are a compulsion because there are so many state boards and so many educational systems under which students are getting different percentage for the same performance. Some sort of normalisation is required under the situation and that is why so many entrance examinations are being conducted to make sure of that.
    Anyway, we can hope that with the changes taking place in education system we will reach a stage where only one centralised merit system will be available for selection of students. In today's digital and online system with robust servers it is not impossible to achieve such order.

    Knowledge is power.

  • #781473
    Both entrance examinations and merit-based systems have their strengths. Entrance exams can provide a standardized measure of readiness and knowledge, ensuring fairness across diverse applicants. Merit-based systems reward consistent performance and achievements over time, reflecting a candidate's sustained effort and abilities. Ideally, a balanced approach that considers both entrance exams and merit can offer a more comprehensive assessment of a candidate's potential and qualifications.

  • #782450
    Merit-based elimination is often preferred as it evaluates candidates based on their abilities and achievements, ensuring fairness. Entrance examinations can also be effective but may not always reflect true potential or consistency.

  • #782454
    Once we come to the level of elimination, the entrance examination is good as the shortlisting have some basic. But the demerit in the system of entrance examination is the possibility of backwardness or fail is high even in some merit holding aspirants. This may be due to frustration or fear or casualness.

  • #782460
    Entrance tests are good for eliminating the candidates when more people apply for a small number of jobs. They can conduct an entrance test and based on their performance some of the applicants can be called for an interview. But when it comes to allocating seats merit should be the criteria.
    drrao
    always confident


  • Sign In to post your comments