Haryana: Free NTSE coaching for meritorious students of government school
In order to train more students for the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), Haryana's directorate of school education has instructed the education department to provide free NTSE coaching to exemplary students. Reportedly, the number of students appearing for NTSE from the state is extremely low, which has resulted in lesser students availing its scholarship benefits. Here are the details.
First off, what is National Talent Search Examination?
NTSE is a national-level examination, which is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for the students of secondary school (Class X). Its aim is to identify meritorious students with high intellect and skill, and provide them with scholarships. Notably, it is conducted at two levels: State, which is usually held in November, and National, which is conducted in June.
Students are assessed on Mental Ability and Scholastic Aptitude
In the NTSE examination, a student is assessed on various subjects, which include Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). They can attempt the tests in either Hindi or English.
Lack of resources, awareness hinder scholarship chances
As per the officials, the students not only lack resources but also awareness, which hinder their chances of getting scholarships. Hence, free coaching facility, which will be provided on weekends, will come to the rescue. However, only those students with 60% marks are eligible to appear for NTSE, and they will have to sit for screening tests to avail the free coaching.
Idea is to develop student's interest towards Science, Technology
Instructions given to district's school department read, "In order to motivate students of government schools to develop an interest towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the department can work on the NTSE." "In a state like Haryana, where students are unable to avail pre-existing scholarships, it becomes even more important for schools to participate in examinations like the NTSE," it states.
Free coaching a step towards tackling unbalanced participation
Moreover, this step has been taken to tackle the issue of unbalanced participation from government and private schools. As per government, it will provide a level playing field for government schools students as almost 99% of students who appear for NTSE are from private schools.
'Move will also help increase students' inclination towards STEM subjects'
Further, teachers also believe that this step will help exemplary students. A Physics teacher from Gurugram, Satyanarayan Yadav, said, "The move will also help increase students' inclination towards STEM subjects." "Additionally, improved students' performances will reflect positively in the state's result," he added. To note, Government Model Senior Secondary School of Sector 4/7 Urban Estate has been selected as the coaching center.
