At LevelUp IAS, we performed Competitive Aptitude Assessment Test with the help of Jnana Prabodhini, Pune.

Developed by Dr Savita Kulkarni and Dr Vivek Kulkarni, after the experience of mentoring more than 1500 officers over the span of 30 years, this test assesses the various aspects like aptitude, competitive spirit, study skills, self regulation and cognitive abilities.

Going beyond the classroom teaching and regular tests, we need to cultivate the qualities required to clear the exam. This test is a very scientific way of assessing where a student presently is and what needs to be done to get there.

There are some initiatives like this. After 6th, after 12th standard etc..

I have nothing against these two particular coachings here. As far as they are about holistic development of personality, if that is what they are going to do in such programs, I think it is totally fine.

But if they are going to teach diluted version of NCERTs, Laxmikant and Spectrum, and simplified version of current affairs, in the name of early preparation, I think something is wrong in us as a nation.

Nobody told us that demographic dividend means rather more cutthroat competition and age compression like this. What we used to do at 21 is now being done at 12 in the name of early start. Is it really healthy sign of progress as a society?

I remember Tagore on this. We need more freedom to learn. The whole industry of private education-competition-admission-recruitment-coaching that we have created is doing exactly opposite of that.

Does an individual have any agency to come out of it? It is too difficult to break out of it.