Rao meets Sibal with list of steps to reform higher education

During his one hour meet with Sibal, Rao made a detailed presentation on his suggestions which include steps like declaring higher education as a national mission for the next decade and designating "capable individuals" to oversee that changes occur without much delay, sources said.

Rao, the Chairman of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, has prepared a document titled "Essential Steps for Progress in Higher Education: A Check-list.

He has suggested a single entrance test for admission to higher education institutes, concerned over the negative fallout on students appearing for multiple examinations.

The examination system, including the college finals, he felt, seems to have destroyed creativity in young people.

"When will young people stop taking exams and do something worthwhile? It is important to cast a fresh look at the entire examination system including the system of final examinations, qualifying examination, selection examination and so on," Rao has observed.

He has also suggests that the country should also identify 10 higher educational institutes and provide all support to enable them compete with the best of the institutes in advanced countries to contribute to quality research.

He also suggested constitution of a task force by the HRD Ministry to prepare an action oriented document to provide a roadmap for the higher education sector.

"It is desirable that the document becomes available in next 12 months. What may also be necessary for the HRD Ministry is to declare higher education as a national mission for the next decade," he said in his report.