‘Samacheer kids not fit for IIT JEE, NEET’

However, officials counter such allegations saying that course was in concurrence with the state’s requirement and its policies. Tamil Nadu Teachers Association President K Illamaran said, ‘From the time of its implementation, Samacheer Kalvi curriculum has been analysed and even criticised. Samacheer Kalvi was brought to bring uniformity by abolishing Matriculation, Anglo-Indian, Oriental and state board syllabuses. Students who study in this curriculum are not competent to face national level exams such as IIT JEE and NEET. These are easier for students of CBSE Board.’’   

A mathematics teacher from a Chennai School in Chetpet said, "Students are spoilt for choice during exams. They need to answer one out of five questions. Earlier, they had to answer one out of three. Now they are avoiding a portion of the syllabus. The questions are often repeated and they pass easily".

Selvi, a student of a school in Kosapet said, "I prefer Samacheer Kalvi because of its trimester format, the number of lessons have reduced and the subjects are easier, even mathematics which was tough is more manageable.’ Director of Change India, A Narayanan said, ‘’Officials must not stop with just distributing uniform syllabus. They must review, improve and upgrade the text books."