Wanted Exam to be More Engaging: IIT Kanpur on ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ Question
In a recent incident, a question paper from IIT Kanpur went viral on social media, and for all the right reasons. The question, which asked students to design a filter for Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, to help him listen to PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program after the Delhi polls, left many scratching their heads. The question was part of a civil engineering exam and was drafted by a professor at the institute.
The question paper, which was shared widely on social media, sparked a lot of debate and curiosity among students, teachers, and even politicians. Many people were wondering what the purpose of such a question was and whether it was a clever way to test students’ creativity or just a bizarre example of academic laziness.
However, IIT Kanpur has finally confirmed that the question was indeed real and was not a prank or a misunderstanding. In a statement, the institute said that the professor who drafted the question paper likes to use “references to well-known personalities…to make exam questions more engaging.”
The question, which was part of a civil engineering exam, asked students to design a filter that would help Kejriwal tune into ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program. The program is a monthly radio address by the Prime Minister, where he shares his thoughts and ideas with the nation. Kejriwal, who is the Chief Minister of Delhi, had recently suffered a defeat in the Delhi polls, and the question was likely meant to be a humorous and engaging way to test students’ creativity.
IIT Kanpur’s decision to include such a question in an exam paper raises a lot of questions about the purpose and effectiveness of such a question. While it is true that using references to well-known personalities can make exam questions more engaging, it is also important to ensure that the questions are relevant and meaningful.
In this case, the question seems to be more of a novelty than a serious attempt to test students’ knowledge and skills. It is unclear what the professor was trying to achieve by asking students to design a filter for Kejriwal to tune into ‘Mann Ki Baat’, and whether it was a way to make the exam more interesting or just a way to go viral on social media.
Moreover, the question also raises concerns about the neutrality and impartiality of the exam. As a public institution, IIT Kanpur is expected to maintain a neutral stance on political issues and not indulge in partisan activities. The question, which is clearly biased towards the ruling party, undermines the credibility of the exam and raises questions about the professor’s judgment.
In conclusion, while IIT Kanpur’s decision to include a question about Kejriwal and ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in an exam paper may have been intended to be engaging and humorous, it is unclear what the professor was trying to achieve and whether it was a way to make the exam more interesting or just a way to go viral on social media. The question also raises concerns about the neutrality and impartiality of the exam and undermines the credibility of the institution.
