After poor record, India mulls re-joining PISA in high spirits

NEW DELHI: After the disastrous performance of Indian students in the 2012 edition of Programme for International Student Assessment ( PISA), there is some forward movement that could lead to India re-joining the test conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD).

Discussions have begun in National Council for Educational Research & Training (NCERT) and even in the HRD ministry. "It is at a preliminary stage but we think India should join PISA. First time result was disheartening but that would only help us in future," an NCERT official said.

HRD ministry also has seen a change of mood. After 2012 PISA, HRD had said India will not be party to it in future. "There was a divided opinion in the ministry. A section argued that such bad results will bring disrepute to the Indian education system," an official said. However, there is also a view gaining ground now that "poor results should not deter us." "How does it matter that Shanghai children did better than those from India? Such results will only help us improve," he says, adding there is strong need for India to join PISA.