Kerala: SC’s verdict on NEET sees an increase in enrollment for CBSE schools

Kerala: The last few years have seen a shift of students from CBSE board schools to state schools after class Xth. However, after the recent decision on Neet-to be conducted by CBSE-the situation is has now bent in favor of CBSE board schools. Statistically also this means that there are more students joining CBSE board schools. There has been a drop in percentage noted in students moving to the state schools. It is reported to have reduced by 10-20% in top schools. The number of students moving to state schools has reduced by 10 to 20% in top schools. On the other hand, students with A1 grade are also shifting to CBSE schools.

The schools have implied that the change is happening following the Neet verdict of SC. CBSE conducts the exam, which has led to a strong belief that CBSE students will hold a clear advantage.

Additional data from 62 schools in the district reveals that 4,860 students earlier took the Class X CBSE board exam. Around 3,000 students from this lot is now seeking readmission in the CBSE board for Class XI. In comparison, there were around 50% students who opted to move to the state board.

Only recently, there was much noise in the media, reporting on the medical aspirants and parents discontent with the sudden decision to implement Neet as a single entrance test for medical admissions. One of the reasons cited was a difference in syllabus and therefore, the exam pattern of Neet, which the students claimed that they are not prepared for. Also, conducting the examination in only Hindi and English acted as a major hindrance. There were various demands pouring from different corners of India, demanding a common syllabus. Many students were seen rushing to private coaching institutes at the last minute for taking training for Neet. Later, the Centre’s ordinance led to Neet decision by SC being postponed for medical admissions to the next academic year.

"The number of students shifting to the state board has reduced this time and the best thing is that most of the high rank holders have not moved out," said Kerala CBSE School Management Association president T P M Ibrahim Khan to TOI.

"In our school, we saw that the dropout rate was lesser than the previous year. Of the 124 students who passed Class X, 74 re-joined. This is an increase of 10 to 15 % as compared to last year," said Fr Antony, Sacred Heart CMI School, Thevara.

CBSE school principals in addition imply that state board schools see a rush from the students as they are able to secure almost 5-10% extra marks in Class XII. This paves the way for students seeking admission in engineering colleges. Students in state schools also get more time to focus on coaching, giving a clear advantage to medical aspirants. The fees also is comparatively less in government-aided schools, as compared to private schools.