In a world where aspirations for upward mobility are fervent, the opportunities for achieving such dreams remain limited. When one generation falls short, the mantle of ambition passes to the next, embedding within it a heavy burden of responsibility. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to profound sorrow, and in the direst cases, even to suicide. It’s in this landscape that coaching institutes assume a significant role, cultivating an atmosphere of uncertainty among students and parents. A stark discrepancy emerges between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying the inequalities that plague the education system. The coaching industry’s massive marketing campaigns further exacerbate the situation, with some strategies veering into ethical grey areas. The tests themselves, designed to be more challenging than standardised exams, set the stage for feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when not conquered. Our educational system is tailored to gauge an individual’s merit through examinations. Eminent thinker Michael J Sandel dubs this system the “tyranny of merit”, a sentiment echoed by the Supreme Court of India. Upholding the OBC reservation judgment, the Court called for a deeper evaluation of the “idea of merit”, highlighting its nuanced nature. Merit as a concept remains shrouded in misunderstanding and often goes unexamined within school curriculum. Adapting to new living arrangements, sourcing nourishing meals, battling isolation, and grappling with commutes form the backdrop against, which education unfolds. For marginalised communities and gender minorities, these hurdles are often amplified. Social media algorithms exacerbate mental health concerns, sowing loneliness and impeding attention spans and creativity. Technology emerges as a potential equaliser in this landscape. Online platforms now offer preparation opportunities from the comfort of one’s home. Government-curated or market-driven content could usher in a new era of accessibility. [Extracted, with edits and revisions from “Kota suicides: Coaching institutes manufacture insecurity — moving beyond the tyranny of merit might help” authored by Akash Kumar and published in The Indian Express dated September 2, 2023]
Which of the following is not true regarding the education system as per the opinion of the author?
Correct Answer :
Merit of the students is not the determining factor.
Solution :
The correct answer is: Merit of the students is not the determining factor.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Analyze the passage:
The passage explicitly states: "Our educational system is tailored to gauge an individual’s merit through examinations." It discusses how examination results are used as the primary measure of a student's merit and how this concept of "tyranny of merit" dominates the educational framework.
2. Evaluate the options based on the author's opinion:
• "It is primarily based on the merit of the students." - This aligns with the passage, as the author mentions the system gauges individual merit through exams.
• "Examination plays a pivotal role in the education system." - This is true according to the text, as exams are used to determine merit, distinguish board exams from competitive tests, and define performance.
• "An individual’s merit cannot be identified without examination." - The text highlights that the current system is tailored to measure merit specifically through examinations.
• "Merit of the students is not the determining factor." - This statement is NOT true regarding the current education system according to the passage. The author argues that the system is heavily dependent on measuring and rewarding perceived "merit" (the "tyranny of merit"), making merit/exam performance the central determining factor.
Therefore, the statement that is not true as per the passage is "Merit of the students is not the determining factor."
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