Intermediate education will gain prominence once again, and perhaps be on a par with the IIT and AIEEE coaching with up to 40 per cent weightage proposed for Intermediate marks in finalising the ranks in the new Indian Science Engineering Eligibility Test (ISEET) which will come into effect from 2013. Corporate colleges, that had almost neglected Intermediate education and only focussed on the entrance test, fell in line when the State government introduced 25 per cent weightage for Intermediate in the EAMCET few years ago. However, they neglected the same for IIT and AIEEE aspirants. But, the new decision to have maximum of 40 per cent weightage in ISEET rankings is being seen as a positive step in making the Intermediate course more relevant and appealing.

“The weightage will bring back students to classrooms and force colleges to concentrate more on classroom teaching. We have seen a positive change after the introduction of 25 per cent weightage in EAMCET,” says APSCHE chairman P. Jayaprakash Rao. But the same is not being adopted for IIT and AIEEE aspirants as there was no weightage. A sizeable number from the State takes both the IIT and AIEEE. Prof. Rao says, “As a teacher, I feel they need to gain knowledge of the core subjects rather than exam-oriented learning, and a few tips to crack the entrance tests.”

However, it is thought, the IITs and NITs may not introduce 40 per cent weightage at one go. In fact, the Ramaswamy Committee also proposed weightage up to 40 per cent only but did not mention of introducing it at one go. So, in all likelihood only 15 per cent weightage may be introduced to start with. But, the final picture will emerge only when the IITs and NITs meet to discuss the issue threadbare.

Students who are in their first year Intermediate now and taking coaching for IITs feel they need to concentrate on two aspects now – regular Intermediate classes and coaching. “Had the decision been taken a few months back we could have concentrated more on Intermediate exams too,” said Harsha, a first year MPC student. “Even a few marks make a difference to IIT rankings now, and the competition is severe there.”

Prof. Rao said that the Education Ministers' conference at New Delhi on Wednesday also left the choice of weightage to the States if they adopt ISEET. States may opt for percentage that is suitable to their environment. For example, Tamil Nadu gives 100 per cent weightage to class 12 for its engineering admissions. A positive change is seen with introduction of 25 per cent weightage in EAMCET: APSCHE chairman However, the IITs and NITs may not introduce 40 per cent weightage at one go, it is believed