Board exam marks may get 50 pc weightage in NEET, JEE admissions: Report

Board examination marks could account for 50 per cent of the weightage in key admissions that are currently decided solely by entrance test scores, such as NEET and JEE, sources said. The proposal is being explored as part of an effort to reduce the high-stakes nature of individual examinations, whether board exams or entrance tests for medical and engineering courses.

The proposal follows a string of irregularities in the examination system, including paper leaks and evaluation errors, which have reignited concerns over the credibility of the current process.

"The changes being contemplated are 50 per cent weightage for board marks in admission/merit, closer alignment of entrance tests with school syllabi to reduce dependence on coaching centres, multiple attempts and a gradual shift towards adaptive on-demand computer-based tests," a source said.

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At present, admissions to medical and engineering courses are determined by entrance examination scores, while candidates must secure the prescribed qualifying percentage in their board examinations to become eligible for those entrance tests.

The proposed reforms are being examined by the Ministry of Education's nine-member committee, constituted last year to study students' dependence on coaching institutes, the proliferation of "dummy schools" and the fairness of high-stakes entrance examinations.

The panel is expected to submit its final report to the government in the coming weeks. It has also recommended bringing entrance tests into closer alignment with school syllabi.