Amid a major upheaval in the country over several allegations of irregularities in conducting competitive examinations such as the NEET-UG and the UGC NET and others, Pune students are worried about their future. Most students say they are keeping other options ready.
Pravin Nikam, founder of Pune-based Samata Center which works for accessibility and equity in education, said, “These competitive examinations are here to stay and there will be no way around them.”
“What we can hope for is that their (the exams) system, procedure and credibility is improved,” said Nikam.
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The Indian Express spoke to a few students who are preparing for major competitive exams to understand their perspective about the cancelled examinations, the pressure they are facing and their contingency plans.
Increased competition, but less seats
Aayush Patil, 18, has appeared for several competitive exams, including JEE Mains, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE), Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT), and Common Entrance Test (CET).
Reflecting on this year’s heightened competition, he said, “Every year, around 7 to 8 lakh students take JEE, but this year the number has spiked to 13 to 14 lakh. But the number of seats in the colleges hasn’t changed. So, now there are fewer seats and more students, leading to an increase in the intake cut-off.”
He added, “The education system should be such that either the number of seats increase or more government colleges are built.”
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He also spoke about the pressure on the aspirants while preparing for the exams. “What we learn until the 10th is completely different and later, while studying for these competitive exams, we learn about things we never knew existed. This creates a lot of pressure to score well because parents at home expect good results and it affects our future,” Patil said.
While commenting on the NEET scam, Patil said, “Every year, some scam related to these entrance exams surfaces. It has become a normal thing.”
No option but to keep faith
Om Patil, 16, who is currently studying in Class 11 and is also preparing for JEE, said, “It is the responsibility of the National Testing Agency to organise the examination (NEET) fairly. But I will try my best and keep faith so that I can crack the examination and get a good percentile.”
Om wants to be a software engineer but he is aware he has more options. “My parents and relatives recommended I take PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Math) so I choose to take the examination (JEE). If I am not able to crack this exam, then I will start a business and give my full effort to make it successful,” Patil added.
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‘Keeping other options open’
Ishaan A, 16, currently in Class 11 and faces pressure of uncertainties associated with entrance exams. He said, “The NEET scam has shaken my trust in the system but I am trying to stay focused on my studies. I have given various mock tests and I am also preparing for the JEE Mains and Advanced.”
He added, “The pressure is immense, not just from parents but also from peers. Everyone expects you to excel and sometimes it feels overwhelming. I am passionate about becoming an engineer, but I am also keeping other options open, like pursuing a degree in science or exploring vocational courses if things don’t go as planned.”
Preeti Parsankar, 16, also a student of Class 11, expressed her mixed feelings about the current state of entrance exams. “Hearing about scams like the NEET makes me anxious. It makes one question the fairness of the entire system. Despite that, I am preparing for multiple exams, including the JEE and the CET.”
She added, “There is pressure. My parents have high expectations and sometimes it feels like my entire future depends on these exams. I do have a backup plan though. If I don’t make it through the entrance exams, I may study abroad or opt for a course in a different field that interests me, like environmental science.”
Most sought after exams
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Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and JEE Advanced, BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test), National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to IIMs, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) exams, Defence exams like NDA, Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) are among the exams that students in India take in order to make a career for themselves.
