Ever since Mr.Kapil Sibal has taken over as the Union Minister for Human Resources Development, we are fortunate to see lot of action and discussions on various topics concerning improvement in the field of education – be it primary, secondary or higher.

One such topic is the recently unveiled plan for a common curriculum in science and mathematics at senior secondary level from 2011-12 and also possible move towards a single entrance examination by 2013 in each discipline.

While the thought is wholesome and hence welcome, any haste in its implementation should be totally shunned.

The present curriculum extended in various parts of the country at the senior secondary level has been evolved over a period of time and has been carefully administered, built and taught.

The curriculum is so structured that it is delivered over a number of years of schooling at the senior secondary level – say from 6^th standard onwards by some boards and in others from 10^th onwards.

As any changes in the existing curriculum should be given a careful thought in that adequate time to the teachers and students are given to enable them to prepare well.

Similarly in the case of single entrance examination, the students should be given complete details of the examination pattern and also more than one model/sample question papers with answers to enable them to gauge the rigor and exact requirements of examinations.

As of now, some states stand out in the entire country as role models for education system. One may draw lessons from them in the efforts to arrive at the common curriculum.

The introduction of a common curriculum and examination requirements should start from 6^th standard onwards (in stages) so that the teachers and the students are provided sufficient time.

Thus, we can plan for our first single entrance examination from 2018 onwards (as it is reported such common curriculum would be available from 2011-12). Till then, we may have to facilitate the students with the current system.

Otherwise, any haste will lead to hatred. There is also a danger that such wholesome change over in such a short time will completely alter the fate and fortune of the students all over the country, completely changing the present education landscape, pattern and performance. This has the potency to lead to geographic discontents.

Why we should allow such a situation to develop when every one agrees for a change and when such a change could be implemented in stages making it comfortable for the major stake holders (students and teachers).

I believe our educators and policy makers will see the point.