Anand Kumar

Mathematician Anand Kumar’s suggestions to Union human resource development (HRD) minister Smriti Irani to increase the number of chances in the joint entrance examination (JEE) for IITs has evoked mixed reaction from students and teachers.

Anand of Super 30 fame had on Monday sent a letter to the Union HRD minister urging her to increase the number of chances in IIT-JEE from two to six on the lines of civil services examination. Anand claimed that the move would make the examination more inclusive by providing a level-playing field to students from the rural areas.

Anand’s demand was backed by several students and teachers. A few were opposed to it.

Ravi Kumar of Mentor Classes was one among those against the proposal.

He said: “The whole idea is absurd. If you are willing to provide six chances to aspirants, you might well give them 10 chances.”

Several students preparing for IIT-JEE differed from Ravi Kumar’s views.

Prabhat Jha, who appeared in the IIT-JEE 2014 examination, said: “This is a right step in a right direction. Several students in villages do self-study. They come from rural areas and don’t get the advantage of quality schooling. They often start their preparations late. As the syllabus of the IIT-JEE is vast, students from rural background do not get an opportunity to prepare well. Giving more chances will help students who have natural talent.”

Another student Ravish said: “As I come from poor background, I was not aware of what IIT means till I came to Patna. More chances in IIT-JEE would certainly provide equal opportunity to all the students.”