Chennai, Jan 10, 2025: In a competitive bid to secure nursery admissions, parents in Chennai are increasingly turning to video pitches showcasing their children's talents. This trend emerges amidst heightened competition and selective admission processes in many of the city’s private schools, raising questions about its impact on young children and its legality under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

A Personal Story: Aishwarya’s Challenge

Three-year-old Aishwarya Rao recently faced rejection after attending interviews at three prominent schools. According to her father, Pankaj Rao, Aishwarya did not speak during any of the interviews, leading to her disqualification. Pankaj and his wife, Nirmala Rao, both tech professionals, were left anxious about their child’s future.

In response, the Raos decided to participate in a video submission opportunity offered by a well-known neighborhood school. The school, one of the largest in the city, invited parents to create a short video introducing their child. "If she’s not going to talk during the interview, this video might be our only chance," said Pankaj.

In their 90-second submission, Aishwarya, dressed in a colorful outfit, simply stared at the camera. The parents then turned the spotlight on themselves, speaking briefly about their daughter and her potential. "Admission to a big school will pave the way to the best secondary schools and universities," Pankaj added. The Raos are also coaching Aishwarya to identify colors, animals, and birds, and to share basic information about herself in preparation for future interviews.

Widespread Practices and Parental Concerns

The Raos’ experience is not unique. Many parents in Chennai are rigorously preparing their children for nursery admissions, often through extensive training sessions at home. Despite these efforts, the approach raises ethical and legal concerns.

Parent-teacher groups report that training children for admission interviews is a growing trend, driven by pressure to secure seats in reputed schools. "They put undue pressure on children. Such practices must be discontinued," said S. Arumainathan, president of the Tamil Nadu Students Teachers Welfare Association.

However, the interviews persist under the guise of informal assessments or "interactions." Sai Girish, a resident of K.K. Nagar, whose child recently gained admission to pre-nursery, revealed that his child was subjected to informal testing to assess basic skills. While Girish felt the assessment was straightforward, the practice highlights the blurred lines between legitimate evaluations and undue pressure.

The Debate: Are Interviews Necessary?

Opinions about the necessity of interactions and video submissions for nursery admissions remain divided. Some educators argue that basic interactions are important for understanding the child and their family better. "Face-to-face interaction helps families understand how the school functions," said P. Vijayalakshmi, deputy director of Chinmaya Vidyalayas.

She emphasized that these interactions allow schools to evaluate logistical factors, such as proximity to the school, siblings already enrolled, and health needs. However, Vijayalakshmi questioned the value of video submissions, suggesting they might not achieve the intended purpose.

Bhavanishankar Subramanian, senior principal at Lalaji Memorial Omega International School, echoed this sentiment. "It’s okay for the child to be silent in a nursery interview," he stated, pointing out that many three-year-olds naturally feel shy or intimidated in unfamiliar settings.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The use of interviews and video submissions for nursery admissions conflicts with the RTE Act, which prohibits schools from screening young children. Education authorities have repeatedly advised against such practices, arguing that they place unnecessary pressure on children and parents alike. Despite this, many private schools continue the practice, citing the need to evaluate basic skills and family compatibility with the institution’s ethos.

The Larger Impact

The growing reliance on video pitches reflects broader concerns about the education system’s competitiveness. For parents, securing admission to a reputed school is often seen as the first step toward long-term academic and career success. However, the associated pressure on young children raises important questions about the priorities and values driving such practices.

As private schools continue to implement informal assessments, parents and educators must balance the need for evaluation with the rights and well-being of young children. Greater awareness and adherence to RTE guidelines could help reduce undue pressure and promote a more inclusive approach to early childhood education.