The Impact of the Coronavirus on College Admissions: Navigating the Challenges
As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, its impact is being felt in various sectors. Among these, the education system has suffered significant disruptions, especially in regions like West Bengal, which have unique challenges. This article delves into how the coronavirus pandemic has affected college admissions, particularly focusing on the unique context of West Bengal. We will explore the root causes and offer insights into this complex issue.
Understanding the Context
Students in India who dream of a better future often set their sights on prestigious colleges, whether it's for engineering, medicine, or other fields. They grind day and night, preparing for exams like JEE Mains and NEET. Another category of students aspires to pursue advanced degrees, dreaming of becoming professors. These students must navigate the challenges of various state boards, each with its own set of rules and processes.
In West Bengal, for instance, students have three educational boards to choose from: ICSE, CBSE, and WBSE. While ICSE and CBSE are All India Boards and adhere to uniform rules, WBSE, despite having a different name and structure, seems to operate under a different set of circumstances. The lockdown and subsequent cancellation of board exams forced the education system to adapt quickly, but it also created inconsistencies in student evaluations.
The Pandemic and Its Aftermath
During the nationwide lockdown, many board exams were canceled, leading to a shift in the evaluation process. The educational authorities opted to base students' grades on the average marks from school examinations, term papers, and expected marks. While a fair approach, the results were staggering. According to officially published data, around 7.61 lakhs students sat for the High School (HS) exams, with 30220 students scoring 90 and above in 2020. In contrast, in 2019, only 7818 students achieved such high grades. This year, nearly 85000 students scored between 80 and 89, while in 2019, only around 48000 were in this range.
Controversial Marks and Their Impact
The sudden increase in high scores, especially in the 90s and 80s range, has raised significant suspicion. Critics, including news reporting platforms, have pointed fingers at the ruling party in West Bengal for potentially manipulating the results. The Education Minister was notified of this issue but seemingly downplayed it, suggesting that all colleges have enough seats and that students are not applying because they are not aware of some institutions.
This skepticism is valid. A student with marks suitable for admission to renowned institutions like MIT or Harvard would likely choose a college that offers a better future, not one with questionable standards. The disparity between expected and actual results raises serious concerns about academic integrity and the future of higher education in West Bengal.
The Online Application Mess
The pandemic also affected the online college admissions process. Admissions were shifted to online portals and college websites, but the lack of regulation and supervision led to chaos. Imagine a student, Partha, from a state-board regulated school who scored an impressive 397 out of 400. However, due to the unregulated process, Partha faces hurdles in securing a seat. This situation highlights the urgent need for a standardized and transparent admissions system.
Conclusion and ACTION NEEDED
The coronavirus pandemic has posed significant challenges to college admissions, particularly in West Bengal. It is crucial for educational authorities to address these issues promptly to maintain academic integrity and ensure that students’ dreams are not shattered. Transparent and fair evaluation processes, stringent regulations, and robust online systems are essential. Students, educators, and policymakers must work together to navigate these challenges and secure a better future for the next generation of learners.