Advanced science in Class XII

By end of September 2012, the HRD Ministry plans to constitute a committee to bring about possible reforms at the 10+2 CBSE level for the science stream. The prime objective is to provide students a choice to study advanced level of science subjects in school so that they do not have to depend on coaching to prepare for competitive exams like IIT-JEE.

The recent meetings of the HRD ministry with the IITs promoted this proposal. Competitive exams like JEE for IIT entrance are of higher difficulty level and test students for something beyond the class curriculum. Thus to take a better shot at these exams, students can choose to study advanced level of physics, math etc. to get a competitive edge. Whereas, other students would be spared the pressure to learn the advanced topics. (Read more)

The introduction of advanced level science subjects at 10+2 will make the consideration of board marks as a qualifier for IIT entrance more pragmatic.

Students would then be able to opt for either the core (basic level) or the elective (advanced level) for each of the science subjects. The system is on the lines of what CBSE practices with its English subject – English Core or English Elective. Subsequently, students of the science stream will be able to avail the same options.  (Read complete story)

Conversely, many feel that this approach of the HRD Ministry is a lost cause considering the fact that the new two-tier test system with JEE-Main and JEE-Advance for the entrance to IITs has increased the pressure on students which would only lead them to continue with coaching classes.

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