Banish rote learning, test intellect, Kapil Sibal’s new mantra

The movie 3 Idiots underlined the inadequacies in the education system. Now, its core premise has an enthusiastic advocate in human resource development Kapil Sibal.

Suggesting that an overhaul of the present examination pattern is on the cards, Sibal on Wednesday said the new system would test analytical ability and intelligence rather than promote learning by rote.

“Children should be asked questions that test their inherent intelligence. We are working on an action plan,” Sibal said. The new pattern would entail a change in the school curriculum, he added.

“Even a Nobel laureate could not clear IIT-JEE in his days,” Sibal said, referring to Venkataraman Ramakrishnan who on Tuesday admitted he failed to clear the IIT and medical entrance tests when he was a student. The new system, Sibal feels, will help reduce examination stress among students.