NITI Aayog Member Supports MCQ Format in CUET Amid Criticism Over Analytical Skill Assessment
NITI Aayog member Gobardhan Das has defended the multiple-choice question (MCQ) format used in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), including for universities like JNU, stating it effectively assesses intelligence and reasoning rather than rote memorization. While teachers' groups and a parliamentary committee have raised concerns that MCQs may not adequately evaluate analytical and descriptive skills, especially in humanities and social sciences, Das emphasized the format's efficiency and fairness, noting it reduces language bias favoring privileged students.
First-hand measurement across 4 sources
We measured how 4 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 12%, Centre 83%, Right 5%). Overall sentiment is neutral (59/100). Lens Score 32/100 — low public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
- indiatoday— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- indianexpress— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- businessstandard— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- economictimes— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
AI Analysis
The article group presents perspectives primarily from government-affiliated sources, notably NITI Aayog member Gobardhan Das, who supports the MCQ format as fair and efficient. It also includes critical viewpoints from teachers' groups and a parliamentary committee concerned about the format's suitability for humanities disciplines. The coverage balances official endorsement with opposition voices, reflecting a mix of policy advocacy and stakeholder critique without partisan framing.
The overall tone across the articles is mixed, combining supportive remarks about the MCQ format's innovation and fairness with critical concerns regarding its limitations in assessing analytical and descriptive skills. The sentiment reflects a constructive debate, acknowledging both the benefits highlighted by officials and the reservations expressed by educators and parliamentary bodies.