IITs to Run Pilot Adaptive Aptitude Test This Year to Curb Coaching Culture
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), including IIT Delhi, will conduct a pilot adaptive aptitude test this year for incoming students after the conclusion of admissions. The initiative, which will involve all 23 IITs, aims to evaluate a new assessment model designed to curb the dominant coaching culture and reduce preparation-related stress for candidates.
The decision to run the pilot was reached during a recent meeting of IIT Directors. While some directors expressed reservations regarding operational challenges and the implications of a new assessment model, the consensus was to undertake a trial exercise before considering any larger policy decisions.
Under the proposed adaptive testing model, the difficulty of the questions changes dynamically based on a candidate's responses. Proponents of the system believe this approach offers a better and less stressful way to assess reasoning and critical-thinking abilities compared to the current Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced.
Students admitted to the IITs this year will participate in the aptitude test, which is being developed and coordinated by an internal team at IIT Kanpur. The exercise is intended to help the institutes generate evidence and better understand the strengths and limitations of aptitude-based testing.
The data collected from this pilot will also help officials determine whether aptitude-based measures can provide valuable insights beyond those captured by the existing entrance exam.
This development follows a recommendation made by the IIT Council in August last year. The Council, which is the apex coordinating body for the institutes, had suggested that the Joint Admission Board (JAB) and IIT Kanpur evaluate the feasibility of introducing adaptive testing.
During those discussions, IIT Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agrawal raised concerns regarding the current structure of the JEE Advanced. He highlighted the growth of the coaching industry and the significant emotional and financial stress experienced by families preparing for the examination.
Following the collection of performance data from this pilot, a phased roadmap with specific timelines for any potential transition to adaptive testing may be outlined.
