New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has criticised the growing obsession with academic marks, describing the education system and anxious parents as increasingly “marks-wadi”. He called for a shift from rote learning to experiential education, stressing that students must develop practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of subjects rather than focus solely on examination scores.
Joshi made the remarks while inaugurating the Experience Centre at the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) integrated office complex in Dwarka on Tuesday.
The minister said students spend a considerable amount of time memorising information and preparing strategies to score higher marks. Parents, too, often place excessive pressure on their children to achieve good results, sometimes overlooking their individual interests, abilities and learning needs.
He warned that this marks driven approach could affect students’ confidence and limit their ability to apply knowledge in real life. According to Joshi, education that remains confined to textbooks and cannot be used practically has limited value.
He highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a framework that promotes a more meaningful approach to learning. The emphasis, he said, should be on helping students understand concepts, explore their interests and gain practical experience instead of relying primarily on memorisation.
The newly inaugurated CBSE Experience Centre aims to showcase the evolution of education in India, connecting the country’s traditional learning practices with contemporary teaching methods and emerging career opportunities.
Spread across 6,000 square feet, the centre features 12 broad zones and 21 exhibits designed to provide visitors with an interactive understanding of India’s educational journey.
A dedicated section highlights the development of CBSE through historical photographs and archival material, including records dating back to 1935. It traces the board’s evolution and its contribution to the country’s school education system.
The initiative reflects the broader need to rethink conventional teaching methods and encourage learning that equips students with practical skills, confidence and the ability to apply knowledge beyond examinations.
