Kochi, Kerala :

To boost enrolment of girls in engineering colleges CBSE has decided to assist 1,000 girl students every year to prepare for entrance examinations to premier engineering colleges. It is not just CBSE students who stand to benefit. Selected girl students in class XI and XII from other Boards will also be provided free assistance to prepare for the IIT-JEE entrance examination.

In a novel initiative, if selected students score well in weekly tests conducted by CBSE, then the points accrued will be redeemed as fees in an IIT or NIT. “The person who scores the highest can earn enough money to pay 100% tuition fees if admitted to IIT or NIT,” said CBSE chairman Vineet Joshi.

Called Udaan, CBSE will assist students by providing them free online and offline support. Selected girls will be provided with tablets that have preloaded content, besides regular tutorials, study materials and assessments. There will also be constant monitoring and tracking of student progress with feedback to parents, besides interactive sessions with peers and teachers. A helpline will allow students to clarify doubts at any point. The selection will be based on merit cum economic criterion.

“Currently about 23% girls are enrolled in engineering colleges in the country as against 77% boys. With this initiative we hope to bring in equity as girls will have access to quality entrance admission test preparation,” Joshi said.

Under the programme, CBSE has appointed principals and teachers as coordinators in each state. “We will be coordinating with school principals and ensure that deserving girls in Kerala benefit,” K Unnikrishnan, one of the three coordinators in Kerala.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / October 07th, 2014