Is it Necessary for an IIT Aspirant to Join CBSE School?
The question often arises whether one must attend a CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) school to secure admission to top colleges in India, specifically for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or for other engineering aspirants. The short answer is no, it is not necessary to attend a CBSE school for admission into top colleges in India.
CBSE School vs. JEE Entrance
For JEE, the entrance exam conducted for admission into various undergraduate engineering courses in India, it is explicitly stated that CBSE schools are not a necessity. The JEE is open to students from any board, whether state boards or other national boards. However, it is crucial to understand that the JEE syllabus is based on the CBSE syllabus. Therefore, students from non-CBSE boards must be well-prepared by thoroughly studying the JEE syllabus.
CBSE vs. Other Boards
While students from CBSE schools may have a slight advantage in terms of familiarity with the syllabus and the exam pattern, this advantage is not insurmountable. Students from other boards can also perform well in the exam by diligently preparing and taking mock tests and practice exams. This is evident from the success stories of many non-CBSE board students who have cleared the JEE with flying colors.
Reputable CBSE Schools
There are reputed CBSE schools in India, one of which is Rawat School in Jaipur, which is highly recommended for its excellence. If you are planning to sit for JEE exams and have studied from a non-CBSE board, you do not need to worry about the school you attended. The JEE is inclusive of students from any recognized board.
Advice from Monika Vishwakarma
Personal insights from a renowned educationist, Monika Vishwakarma, are also valuable. She has discussed the merits and demerits of CBSE and non-CBSE schools without advocating for one over the other. Her advice emphasizes that while the syllabus of the JEE exams is based on the NCERT curriculum, this should not be a determining factor for choosing a school.
Language Considerations
A common concern is whether language is a barrier for appearing in the exams or joining IITs. The Indian education system is gradually expanding its language offerings for various exams. For instance, the NEET exam is now conducted in 9 languages, and the JEE is conducted in 2 languages, with plans to increase it to 11 languages from January 2021. This indicates that language is not a significant obstacle for students from any state-recognized school.
Personal Experience
Personal anecdotes also provide insight. The author of this article, who was educated in a CBSE school and prepared for the JEE at Aakash Coaching, personally vouches for the path of preparing well irrespective of the board. Regular practice, following renowned educational experts, and staying updated with the latest changes in the exam pattern can significantly boost one's chances of success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while attending a CBSE school may provide some advantages, it is not a strict requirement for JEE aspirants. With diligence, practice, and the right resources, students from any recognized board can excel in the JEE and pursue their dreams of becoming IITians.