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 strengthens the argument regarding the ‘idea of merit’ as per the above-mentioned passage?
Correct Answer :
True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination.
Solution :
The correct answer is: True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understanding the Argument in the Passage:
The passage highlights how standard examinations often fail to accurately capture true merit due to systemic inequalities, societal pressures, and background hurdles (such as living conditions, socio-economic barriers, and marginalization). It mentions Michael J. Sandel's concept of the "tyranny of merit" and notes that the Supreme Court of India called for a deeper evaluation of the "idea of merit," emphasizing its nuanced nature. This indicates that merit cannot be reduced simply to scores achieved in standard or competitive exams.
2. Evaluating the Options:
• True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination:
This statement directly strengthens the passage's argument by acknowledging that merit is a complex, nuanced concept influenced by multiple factors beyond a single test result.
• Pervasive inequalities can only be identified with the help of a single competitive examination:
This statement contradicts the passage, which argues that competitive examinations often amplify inequalities rather than effectively addressing or identifying them.
• True merit is not multifaceted and does not extend beyond performance in a single competitive examination:
This directly weakens the passage's stance that merit is nuanced and misjudged by narrow examination standards.
• The school education ensures the proper implementation of the idea of merit:
The passage explicitly states that merit "often goes unexamined within school curriculum," meaning school education currently fails to properly define or implement it.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the option stating that "True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination" accurately aligns with and strengthens the main argument of the passage.
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