For the past two years, I’ve tried to apply for internships in some of India’s most respected government programs — including those offered by NITI Aayog, DPIIT, RBI, and others.

Every time, I’m stopped by the same wall:

“Minimum 85% in HSC/12th Board Exams.”
I am not underqualified. I have the skills, the knowledge, the work ethic, and the passion.
But I don’t fit a number that was decided by one exam — years ago.

Here’s the harsh reality many students face:
🔹 A student with 86% but no practical skills is eligible.
🔹 A student with 74% but real skills, projects, and experience is not.

Is this fair? Is this how we define merit in 2025?

I’m not raising this voice just for myself — but for hundreds of capable students who are ready to contribute and learn, yet keep getting excluded by a number that doesn’t reflect who they are today.

I respect academic performance, but a single percentage should not be the only key to opportunity.

We live in a world that values innovation, problem-solving, adaptability — not just grades.
Then why does our system still prioritize marks over merit, and scores over skill?

I respectfully urge the authorities —
including @NITI Aayog, @RBI, @DPIIT, and the Ministry of Education — to:
✅ Replace rigid HSC % criteria with skill-based evaluations
✅ Allow portfolios, project work, or aptitude assessments
✅ Make internships more inclusive, diverse, and reflective of real ability

Let’s give students the chance to prove themselves — not based on marksheets, but mindsets.

📣 This is a call for equal opportunity, not entitlement.
This is a voice for fairness, not favoritism.

One voice may be easy to ignore — but thousands cannot be.

If you believe in #SkillOverScores, if you believe opportunities should be earned through capability, not just cutoffs — please sign and support this movement.

Together, let’s build a system where talent doesn’t get filtered out by numbers — but is allowed to shine.