The Union Education Minister conducted a LIVE webinar today to interact with students, parents and teachers through his twitter handle. The MHRD Minister discussed several questions put up by students regarding the reduction of the syllabus for CBSE syllabus, JEE Main, NEET 2021 and much more. Let’s look into the details and important points that came out of this online webinar –
On New Education Policy
Initially, Pokhriyal emphasized on the introduction of ‘New Education Policy’, which he believes will transform the education sector in the country. He said that the New Education Policy has been lauded by many foreign countries and will certainly be a huge success in future.
Dear students, I had a great time interacting with you #live today via #EducationMinisterGoesLive.
Thank you for tuning in!I hope you received answers to your queries related to upcoming competitive/board exams. pic.twitter.com/ofxS1DagI7
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) December 10, 2020
On postponement of JEE Main, increasing the number of times JEE Main is conducted
Further, in response to a question from a student regarding the postponement of JEE Main 2021, Pokhriyal said- “We are working on a mechanism to announce the exam dates as soon as possible”. He further added that the Ministry is discussing the possibility of conducting JEE Main three or maybe four times and will soon take an official decision in this regard.
On reduction of JEE syllabus
In response to a student requesting for the reduction of JEE Main syllabus, the Minister stated that “we are constantly discussing this concern as well. We are trying to implement and execute on slightly different exam patterns as well. As many students are suggesting that they are not able to complete the syllabus due to the lack of physical classes, we are thinking of providing the students with optional facility.”
On reopening schools
In response to the question on “school reopening” from a student, the Minister said that the situation (COVID-19) is gradually improving in the country and “we are hopeful that students will soon be returning to their respective schools” provided there is no surge in the COVID-19 cases in the upcoming month.
On further reduction in CBSE syllabus and CBSE practical exams
In response to a question regarding the “further reduction of CBSE syllabus”, the Minister said that the board has already reduced 30% of syllabus for the 2020-21 academic session, so that students don’t feel any stress prior to the exams, and no further reduction in the syllabus will be made.
Talking about the CBSE practical exams, he said, “The CBSE practical exams are conducted at the school level. In case the students are not able to take the practical sessions, then the government shall take a call on this”.
Lastly, in response to a student questioning the clarity on the reduction of the topics, Pokhriyal said “students must be aware of the reduced syllabus details which have been shared with institutions and also been uploaded on the CBSE website”.
On cancellation of NEET 2021
Further, he also said that there is “no plan to cancel NEET 2021”. He stated that conducting the NEET 2020 proved to be a huge success. He also claimed that NEET 2020 was one of the biggest exams which was conducted amidst the pandemic all across the globe. He showered praises on students and Indian government for “saving a precious academic year” even in the most challenging conditions.
