Centre pushes for culture test in schools

As a part of its vision to impart cultural and value-based education at the school level, the government is pushing for an exam that tests students's knowledge on Indian culture and values.

Bharatiya Sanskriti Gyan Pariksha, an examination conducted by the spiritual organisation in Haridwar called Shantikunj tests knowledge about Indian culture. It will be conducted in all Navodaya Vidyalayas; these come under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).

A circular in this regard was sent to all Navodaya Vidyalayas by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) on October 5, an autonomous body under the HRD Ministry. Value education for children also finds place within the framework of National Education Policy that the team under K Kasturirangan is currently finalising.

An official source said that while it has not been made mandatory, all schools are expected to take part in the exam.

An official from the Bhartiya Sanskriti Gyan Pariksha wing of Shantikunj told DNA, "Our seniors had met government officials and discussed the idea of conducting Sanskriti Gyan parkisha in all schools. We are hoping that the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and other state government schools also start conducting these exams."

The official website of the exam describes it as, 'A holistic education programme, testing the student on moral, cultural of India'.