[Answered] Critically evaluate the impact of mark inflation and mark compression in Indian school board examinations on the quality of higher education and employability of students.
Red Book
Red Book

Introduction: Contextual Introduction

Body: Highlight the impact of mark inflation and mark compression on the quality of higher education and the employability of students

Conclusion: Way forward

Mark inflation and mark compression in Indian school board examinations significantly impact the quality of higher education and the employability of students. These practices, where marks are artificially inflated or clustered at higher levels, undermine the credibility of the education system and present several challenges.

Impact on Higher Education Quality

  • Diluted Academic Standards: Mark inflation and compression make it difficult for universities to distinguish between students’ actual academic abilities. This leads to the admission of students who may not be adequately prepared for the rigors of higher education, thereby lowering academic standards and potentially increasing dropout rates.
  • Unreliable Meritocracy: When a significant number of students receive high marks, it becomes challenging for higher education institutions to identify truly deserving candidates. This diminishes the value of merit-based admissions and often forces institutions to rely on additional criteria like entrance exams, which may not fully reflect a student’s academic potential.
  • Questionable Comparisons Across Boards: Variations in mark distribution across different school boards complicate the comparison of student performance nationally. Without a standardized scale, students from boards with more lenient grading practices may have an unfair advantage in university admissions, further distorting academic quality.

Impact on Employability

  • Erosion of Employer Confidence: As employers become aware of mark inflation, they may begin to distrust academic qualifications, leading them to rely more on alternative assessments like entrance exams, interviews, or skill-based tests. This can reduce the value of school-leaving certificates and complicate the job search for recent graduates.
  • Skill Gaps: Students entering the workforce with inflated marks may lack the necessary skills and knowledge required by employers. This mismatch can result in underperformance at work, lower job satisfaction, and potentially higher unemployment rates among graduates.
  • Increased Hiring Costs: Companies may need to invest more in training and development to bridge the gap between inflated academic credentials and actual job readiness. This increases hiring costs and may lead employers to become more selective, reducing job opportunities for recent graduates.

Conclusion

The widespread practice of mark inflation and compression in Indian school board examinations compromises the quality of higher education and the employability of students. Standardizing assessment practices, increasing transparency in the marking process, and introducing rigorous auditing measures can help restore credibility to the education system, ensuring that students are better prepared for both higher education and the job market.

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