Bangalore: The Indian government is mulling on the prospect of a national aptitude test, instead of entrance tests for admission to degree courses. The idea of the aptitude test being conducted at a national level is derived from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) conducted in U.S. for college admissions. SAT, first started in 1901 in U.S., is a standardized test that is aimed to assess a student's readiness for college. Right now, India is in the process of chalking out a SAT-like assessment and aptitude test for the PUC or Class XII students who are in the verge of joining degree courses. S.C. Khuntia, Joint Secretary (School education), HRD Ministry said, "We are looking at U.S.-like system where there will be a series of national aptitude tests for each stream which students can take. Universities can admit students based on these test results." He added that these exams would be conducted throughout the year and that a national testing agency would be set up for monitoring the exams. The present entrance exams could also be clubbed with the agency. However, the proposal awaits for an affirmative nod from the individual state boards and universities. The Indian education system is heralding new changes in its system. We have seen the scrapping of Class X board exams by CBSE. The same is also being thought out for the Class XII exams. These steps are certainly reducing the burden on the students, but is it making them more productive or not is a question yet to be answered.