IIT-Kanpur defies Sibal; will have own exam from 2013

In what is seen as a flat rebuff to Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal's proposal to bring about major changes in the Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination, IIT-Kanpur on Friday decided to hold its independent entrance test from the next session.

A decision to that effect was taken by the IIT senate, which is the highest decision making body of the country's premier engineering school, widely known for its landmark achievements right since its inception in the 1950s.

It is learnt that the meeting was attended by around 75 of the 210-member senate. And they unanimously resolved to hold a separate examination for entrance to IIT-Kanpur.

The meeting also decided to constitute a committee for conducting such an examination.

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Significantly, if the institute manages to finally have its way, IIT-Kanpur would be creating history by deviating from the traditional practice of a joint entrance examination for all IITs.

It would be like reverting to the system originally in place in the initial years -- each IIT conducting its independent entrance test.

Earlier, on May 28, the HRD minister had announced his decision to have a two-tier common entrance exam for all IITs, NITs and IIITs with effect from 2013.

It was decided to hold a preliminary test followed by a main examination -- with a provision for 50 per cent weightage to be given on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying Class XII exams. 

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"We were opposed to the idea right from day one and our view was clearly conveyed to the ministry too. However, the IIT ordinance gives us the right to conduct our own examination," announced IIT spokesman Prof Deepak Gupta.

Gupta told media persons in Kanpur late Friday evening, "Since we do not approve of the changes affected by the HRD ministry's decision, we have decided not to be a part of the joint entrance examination. Instead, we will conduct our own examination with effect from next year."

Declining to comment on whether any other IIT had decided to follow course, he said: "So far, we are not aware of it. But sure enough, they are all free to take their own decision."

Hailing the senate's decision, IIT-Kanpur students forum termed the government's proposed changes in the entrance examination as 'subjective, faulty and against the larger interest of students'.

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