I dream of all-India entrance test by 2013: Sibal

HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has said it his "dream" to implement a single common entrance examination for admission in engineering and science disciplines at the national level by 2013.

"My real dream is by 2013, I should have the first all India test," he said.

A committee chaired by T Ramasami, Secretary in the Department of Science and Technology, was constituted to re-look into the test methodology of selecting students and have a common system for admission.

The aim of the National Aptitude Test is to reduce psychological and financial stress on students.

Sibal said Ramasami, who has completed his work, had carried out a study to seek response for a single test and "response is that 80 per cent of the people in India want it," he said.

"No political party has said no to that (to the test)", he replied to a question.

Asked about opposition from Tamil Nadu to this concept, he said "that is a peculiarly Tamil Nadu legislative decision, which is now being challenged in Madras High Court. Thats entirely different from having a separate test."

He said if there is an all India list and there is an equalisation procedure which takes into account each state board, then every child can get admission to the institution of his choice and there can be no capitation fee.