Ready for the challenge

The recent announcement by the State Education Board that it is going to upgrade its Pre University (PU) science syllabus and bring it on a par with the Central Board Secondary Education (CBSE), has caused ripples among many PU students.

The students are still to warm up to the idea, and they tell ‘Metrolife’ that such a decision was  sudden and they didn’t really know how to react to the proposal.

Kajal, a first PUC student, feels that she will be able to take on the challenge as she has done CBSE before. But at the same time, she says, it is unfair to those who haven’t. “The reason I opted for PUC over CBSE was to score higher because the syllabus is fairly easier. I am familiar with most of the portions as I studied all that in school. So it will not come as a big surprise to me but I think others, who haven’t done CBSE before, may find it tough,” she adds.

Agrees Jhanvi, who feels that the sudden change can be a bit of concern. “I feel there is a positive side to this as well. After the new syllabus, the students will be better prepared for entrance exams, and the level of preparation will be on a par with the rest of the education boards,” she adds.  

While those who have studied ICSE and CBSE are not really affected, those who have passed state board and moved to PUC thereafter, are little apprehensive.

Viresh, a PUC student feels that the existing portions are already tough and upgrading will only add to the pressure. “I don’t feel there is a need for such a change. I have studied in a  school, which had state board, since my first standard. If at all they want to bring in this change, they should introduce it at the school level itself,” adds Viresh.

Though the implementation of the new syllabus has been proposed for the coming academic year, many Pre University colleges are yet to receive an official letter from the board.

Says Annie Moses, the principal of VET Manandi PU College, “I feel this move of the board is good as it will enables students to learn more. But at the same time, we need more time for even the teachers to prepare and train themselves to teach the students,” she adds.

Although the students are bracing themselves for the change, one can still feel the anxiety and tension on their.