Admission Criteria for NITs and IITs: The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected educational institutions, including the institutions of national importance, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). As the Joint Admission Board (JAB) has taken steps to relax certain admission criteria, these changes have a ripple effect on the admission processes of both IITs and NITs. This article provides an overview of the current status of admission criteria and the future outlook as the pandemic continues to shape educational policies.
Current Scenario and Removal of 75 Percent Criteria
For the year 2020, the Joint Admission Board (JAB) removed 75 percent criteria from the admission process in IITs. This decision meant that NITs also followed suit and removed the criterion for that year. The reduction or removal of this criterion was a direct response to the pandemic, which had an adverse impact on the conduct of several board examinations.
The situation regarding the 75 percent criterion remains fragile. Given that the pandemic is not expected to be under control by the mid or end of 2022, it is likely that the 75 percent criterion may not be re-imposed anytime soon. However, if the situation improves and board examinations take place as planned, the 75 percent criterion will likely be reinstated.
75 Percent Criterion: A Conditional Reimposition
The 75 percent criterion for IITs and NITs is conditional on the pandemic situation. The criterion will be reconsidered in 2021 and beyond, based on how the situation evolves. Some institutions, such as the IITs, have already indicated that they will not require this criterion for 2021 admission, as they have done for 2020. However, the final decision will be subject to an official announcement by the relevant authorities.
Relaxed Admissions for NITs: A Pandemic Response
Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) has made a significant announcement regarding the admission norms for National Institutes of Technology (NITs). In the current pandemic context, NITs will admit undergraduate students based on their performance in the Joint Entrance Exam-Mains (JEE-Mains) without considering their class 12 board examination marks. This decision relaxes the admission process for students who have not yet sat for their board examinations.
Previously, NITs required either 75 marks in the Class 12 board examinations or a rank within the top 20 percentile of their respective boards. The decision to remove this criterion for the current year is a clear indication of the impact of the pandemic on educational standards and norms.
Similarly, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have also made adjustments to their admission criteria. In 2020, they admitted students based on the JEE-Advanced results alone, without requiring the 75 percent criterion. This change was in response to the partial cancellation of the Class 12 board examinations by several boards.
Looking Ahead: Future of Admission Criteria
The future of admission criteria for both IITs and NITs will depend significantly on the ongoing situation regarding the pandemic. If the situation remains stable and board examinations can be conducted as planned, the 75 percent criterion may be re-imposed. However, if the pandemic continues to be a challenge, the current relaxation of admission criteria is likely to remain.
For students, these changes offer a degree of flexibility as they pursue higher education. The removal of the 75 percent criterion for 2020 and beyond has provided a much-needed relief to many students who would have otherwise been disqualified due to unexpected disruptions in their board examinations.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for students to stay informed about any changes in admission criteria and to prepare accordingly. The pandemic has led to significant changes in educational norms, and students must adapt to these changes to secure their admission to various institutions.
Conclusion
The current scenario in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated significant changes in admission criteria for both the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). The relaxation of the 75 percent criterion, primarily removed for the 2020 admission process, reflects the challenging environment created by the pandemic.
As the pandemic continues to impact educational processes, it is essential for students and institutions to stay updated with any changes to admission policies and to prepare accordingly. The future of admission criteria remains uncertain, but adjustments made in response to the pandemic have provided some relief to students.