Till 1998, the proportion of arts and science students was
Till 1998, the proportion of arts and science students was
Options:
(a) 70:30
(b) 30:70
(c) 29:71
(d) 71:29
✅ Correct Option: (a) 70:30
Explanation (200+ words):
Until 1998, the proportion of arts and science students in Pakistan was heavily skewed toward the arts, with approximately 70% in arts and 30% in science. This imbalance reflected traditional societal preferences, lack of infrastructure for science education, and limited access to laboratories and trained science teachers in schools.
The National Education Policy 1998 recognized this disparity and proposed strategies to promote science education, including improving school laboratories, updating science curricula, providing scholarships for science students, and enhancing teacher training. Encouraging science education was vital for national development, technological advancement, and preparing a workforce for emerging industries.
The policy also emphasized vocational and technical education to create a skilled labor force. Efforts to reduce the arts-science gap were part of a broader strategy to achieve economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness at the national level. The 70:30 proportion highlighted the urgent need for reforms in science education and gender-balanced access to scientific learning.
10 PPSC Facts:
- Arts students: 70%, Science students: 30%.
- Reflected societal preferences for arts.
- Limited science infrastructure.
- Shortage of trained science teachers.
- Policy aimed to promote science education.
- Proposed improved school labs.
- Scholarships offered for science students.
- Curriculum updates in science emphasized.
- Encouraged vocational and technical training.
- Aimed to balance arts and science enrollment for development.