Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan writes to Tamil Nadu govt over the issue of CUET

New Delhi [India], April 24 : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday replied to the Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu regarding the issue of the Common University Entrance Examination (CUET) and said that Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has been introduced in pursuance of the National Education Policy, 2020.
In a letter to the Education Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dharmendra Pradhan said, "As you are aware the National Education Policy 2020 has been finalised and issued after a detailed and highly participative consultation process with various stakeholders. National Policy on Education 1968 and National Policy on Education 1986 / 1992 have been the guiding documents for the policies of the Central Government in the education sector. National Education Policy 2020 may be seen as a continuum of earlier education policies."
"NEP, 2020 emphasizes the regular formative assessment for learning rather than the summative assessment that encourages today's 'Coaching' Culture. Hence, Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has been introduced in pursuance of the National Education Policy, 2020. Students may apply to more than one university as per their choice with one application form thereby reducing the financial burden and increasing access," he added.
The Union Education Minister further said that students have the choice to appear in the entrance examination in any of the 13 languages with a choice of selecting an examination centre over hundreds of examination centres across the country.
"Since there is wide variation in the marking pattern of different state boards, CUET provides for entrance solely on the CUET marks. These exams shall test conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge and shall aim to eliminate the need for taking coaching for these exams. Further, the syllabus for the undergraduate level entrance examination is based on the understanding of the subject at the Class 12 level, irrespective of affiliations to any board like CBSE, thereby benefiting the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). Besides, the marks of the Class 12 examination have been considered for eligibility for the exam. It is left up to individual universities and colleges to use NTA assessments for their admissions," he added.
"CUET will address the issue of access to education through single entrance examination in different languages. This will reduce the economic burden and mental harassment. Further, CUET will provide a level playing field to the students of rural and remote areas and those belonging to SEDGs. Also, this concept of the Common Entrance examination, as envisaged in the NEP, 2020, is in continuation of the stipulations of Programme of Action 1992 on National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986", added the Union Education Minister.
Pradhan in a letter to Education Minister of Tamil Nadu further said that National Education Policies issued from time to time always recognized the role of both the Central governments and State Governments on the matter of the education sector in the Country.
"NPE, 1968 which was issued before, the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act, speaks about coordinated action on part of States and the Centre. NPE 1986, which was issued after the 42nd Amendment Act, in para 3.13 clearly recognizes the role and responsibility of States and UTS", said Dharmendra Pradhan.
"Similarly, in continuation with the earlier Policies NEP, 2020 in para 26 and 27, lays emphasis on the role of both Central and State Governments. Therefore, there is no case for infringing upon the rights of the States/UTs", he added.
"After 42nd Amendment Act, the Education becoming the subject matter of the Concurrent list, has enabled Central Government also to take measures for development, promotion and growth of education in the Country", read the letter.