In order to conduct aptitude test for classes IX, X, XI, XII
students', a body will be developed called National Authority for Testing
(NAT). It will be a lean body and its proposal will be taken to the cabinet by
HRD ministry.
According to an official, NAT will be conducted consulting top experts of psychometrics, both in India and abroad. It will also take help of Educational Testing Service (which conducts SAT and GRE). Initially, NAT will be funded by government with gradually attaining autonomous status. NAT will not only conduct aptitude tests but will also help in filtering students for Joint Entrance Examination. It might also conduct such tests in future. Scores of NAT might become mandatory for admissions to engineering or humanities, confirmed the official.
While taking the proposal to cabinet, HRD ministry is hoping that after clearance, NAT will be conducted twice a year to shortlist 4 lakh students who could appear for JEE. After that, it's planning to conduct it four times a year. The tests will basically judge a person's innovative and scientific thinking which is impossible to achieve through coaching. JEE, however will test student's knowledge of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Through JEE, ranks will be issued to 40000 students who can apply for admission in IITs and NITs.
According to another official, NAT focusing on creative thinking of a child will help him to get a direction giving him better insight of his strengths instead of him only opting for engineering courses.