The formation of a nine-member committee by the Ministry of Education to examine the growing role of coaching centres and the emergence of ‘dummy schools’ is a significant step. The primary objective of this committee is to reduce students’ dependence on coaching centres for higher education. Under this initiative, the committee will identify loopholes in the current schooling system that push students toward coaching centres.
Our education system faces challenges such as rote learning, limited emphasis on critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical skills, and innovation. These shortcomings often drive students toward coaching centres, where the focus is primarily on exam-cracking techniques rather than in-depth understanding of subjects. The committee’s effort is a positive step toward reforming the education system so that students can receive adequate academic support within schools themselves.
The rise of ‘dummy schools’ presents another serious issue. These institutions deprive students of formal education and instead encourage full-time coaching. To curb this trend, the committee must ensure that the formal education system is strengthened and that students receive quality learning within school settings.
There is also a need to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of competitive exams. Since these exams are crucial turning points for students, reducing the need for external coaching requires schools to equip students adequately at the foundational level. This includes assessing the role and impact of formative assessment in schools, and understanding how its absence affects conceptual understanding and exam readiness.
The increasing demand for quality higher education and the limited number of seats in premier institutions also force students toward coaching centres. To address this imbalance, it is essential to create more opportunities in the higher education sector. Additionally, there is a need to raise awareness among students and parents about diverse career paths. Assessing the availability and effectiveness of career counselling services, and suggesting ways to strengthen the career guidance framework, is also part of the committee’s mandate.
This initiative by the committee marks a major step toward systemic reform in education. It is not merely about reducing dependence on coaching, but about making the education system more inclusive, effective, and aligned with students’ actual needs. We hope this initiative will bring about the necessary changes in education and help students realize their full potential.
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