Delhi govt to launch 'Abhishikt' program for high-IQ students amid concerns of educational disparities
specialised classrooms for gifted students in 15 of its schools following the mid-term exams later this month, as per a TOI report.
Known as 'Abhishikt', these classrooms will serve students in classes VI and IX, focusing on nurturing those identified as exceptionally intelligent through a thorough screening process.
The Abhishikt programme, according to officials at the Inclusive Education Branch under the Directorate of Education, involves a multi-stage selection process.
The first stage includes nominations, followed by a culture-fair test, non-verbal interviews and IQ assessment. The criteria are specific, officials said. Students must have an IQ above 130 to qualify for the programme.
As per the TOI report, around 7,000 students currently enrolled in classes VI and IX are in the fray for the programme. Those selected will attend the specialised classrooms in 15 public schools while continuing to follow the NCERT curriculum.
They will receive additional learning opportunities that will allow them to engage with more advanced materials.
Critics of the programme said, therefore, that prioritising high-IQ students risks deepening the gap between high achievers and the rest of the student body.
The dropout rate, already a concern in Delhi, could rise further if struggling students feel neglected. «Careful attention has been paid to avoid that,» said Sanjay Saini, a Hindi teacher who attended training for the programme last month. «Abhishikt is meant to polish the talents of high-performing students. Sometimes
