New Delhi, Oct 19 (ANI): In a move that could be considered controversial and could invite criticism from some experts, Union Human Resource Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said that only school students getting 80 percent and above may henceforth be eligible for admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

While the student community has already greeted the decision with dismay, Sibal emphasized that he has appointed a committee of IIT directors to suggest the revised entrance system for the elite technical institutes of the country.

He confirmed that the committee is likely to consider giving more importance to the marks obtained by the candidate in the plus two examinations.

If this rule is introduced, then securing 60 per cent marks in the plus two stage will not be sufficient for those aspiring for IITs from 2011, as the new criteria is likely to prefer higher percentage for getting entry to the county’s elite technical education institutions.

Interacting with the media after the meeting Sibal said the move is aimed at ensuring that students not only take their plus two levels seriously, but also to check the growth of coaching centers.

“The present criteria is that students need to secure 60 per cent at class XII for appearing in IIT-JEE. This is not acceptable. The minimum marks required for IIT-JEE could be raised up to 80 to 85 per cent,” he said.

Sibal added that the committee would take the decision about the required percentage.

“The coaching centres are giving training for the IIT entrance. As a result, the students are not studying seriously for class XII exam and giving more attention to entrance. We want to get rid of the coaching centres by giving more weightage to the board exam,” Sibal said.

Sibal said a three-member committee comprising Science and Technology Secretary T Ramasami, Secretary Department of Biotechnology M K Bhan and CSIR Director General Samir Brahmachari would also review the present curriculum and submit its report within three months.

The committee will also explore the possibility of starting courses in humanities and medicine also, Sibal said.

Besides, the Council has decided to change the eligibility of students for availing the merit-cum-means scholarship.

The income criteria that was Rs.2 lakh per annum as family income, has been changed to Rs.4.5 lakh.

Sibal said the government would consider reducing the fee structure for students from SAARC and African countries.(ANI)