Interestingly it's more of parents a compared to students, who veto the idea of introducing the Plus Two system in colleges. There is a common feeling that it's not the right age to step into the college campus.

A 15-year-old is not considered mature enough to be allowed such a free atmosphere. However those with a broad-minded outlook feel that life in college involves much more interaction and exposure. And then it's the right place to grow the students for higher education.

They learn to take independent decisions and also to cope with their studies more competently. There is no spoon-feeding in colleges as compared to schools where students solely depend on what is being taught in the class. In a way they develop the habit of self-study, preparing their own notes and this in turn makes for a better learning process.

Colleges offer a good environment with better infrastructure. They offer much more qualified and experienced staff as compared to the schools. However some students believe that college staff has a casual approach as far as teaching is concerned. They fail to give individual attention to each student and leave most of the study load for students to on their own.

This in turn leaves one with a heavy burden resulting in a confused state of mind. Most students crave to enter college life just for the sake of getting rid of school what they believe offers a rigid and humdrum routine. In a school they are under strict supervision and discipline which is forcibly and not willingly accepted by the students.

In a college, the students get a chance to have their own opinion on varied matters. There is a more open and friendly attitude as far as student - teacher relationship in a college is concerned. Students can freely discuss myriad issues and their queries. Their participation in the class enables them to be more bold and expressive in their lives as well. Now a days even schools organise workshop and interactive activities but at the plus two level students are very inquisitive and that demands a wider horizon which is only possible in a college.

When students enter college they want to enjoy the freedom that's a whole new experience after a strict schedule in school. But for parents this is what bothers them the most. They believe that since there is less discipline in colleges so there is every possibility of someone in his or her mid-teens to get into habits which may prove harmful later in their lives.

It is important to perform well at the Plus Two level and for that school is considered to be a much better place. The teachers in school are believed to be more dedicated because ultimately it is the reputation of the school that is at stake.

If we analyse the decision of introducing 10+2 system in colleges, it's the pros which outweigh the cons so why not give it a try? We need to give our consent in this regard by welcoming the decision that can surely turn out to be a stupendous success!

The writer is a Public Relations student at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Chandigarh.