An HRD ministry panel has recommended 70% weightage to class XII marks and 30% for performance in an aptitude test to be conducted more than once a year, for the IIT-Joint Entrance Examination. A cut-off list on the basis of the class XII result and the aptitude test will be prepared in the month of June every year and the top 40,000 will have to take the additional test for IITs.
However, the best score in the aptitude test -- which will have questions on reasoning, numerical ability and communication skills -- should be taken into account. It is only the add-on test for the top students that will have questions on physics, mathematics and chemistry.
Also, unlike the present system, right at the beginning, students will have to give their choice of IIT or other institutes -- like Indian Institute of Science Education & Research -- whose admission test is conducted through JEE. Students will also have to spell out their choice of branch of engineering or stream of pure science.
The move will ensure that students from small towns and even those who cannot afford expensive coaching can aim to be in IITs.
