Shri Sibal also said that the Ministry was presently debating whether it is possible to have one common exam after class XII that will test general awareness and aptitude. For entrance to institutions, class XII marks and this test could be the criteria. The marks of different Boards could be equalized through a mathematical formula for weightage. The common core curriculum required for removing disparity of syllabi that necessitate different entrance exams catering to different boards has already been developed by COBSE for Science and Maths, he added. This will give an opportunity to children from economically weaker sections who are not able to avail of coaching and get through the current system of entrance exams. But he underlined that this was just being debated at present, as the current system is being seen as unfair for the poor and the under privileged.

Shri Sibal also suggested that he was looking at setting up a National Institute for Assessment and Evaluation for the school systems in the country and their syllabi. For States, it would be voluntary to have themselves assessed by this institute. He also underlined that a curriculum framework for value education is required. He also called upon schools to give emphasis to physical education by having one class of PE every day.