28/02/2019
Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing is working with Ashoka University in New Delhi in India to help them measure key skills of people applying for undergraduate courses.
The Liberal Arts university is using The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) developed by Cambridge as key recruitment tool to measure applicants’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. They have been using the computer-based test since late 2018 and so far nearly 1,000 applicants have been tested.
Earlier this year, experts form Cambridge Assessment English, visited the university to see first-hand how the introduction of testing is having an impact on student recruitment.
Dave Baker from Cambridge Assessment English said: 'Ashoka is a key university in the region and it’s really encouraging to see how seriously they take student recruitment. Skills such as problem solving are critical for people taking degree courses and it helps them have a positive experience of university life'. TSA is a test developed by Cambridge that measures ability in critical thinking and problem solving, skills which are essential for success in higher education. Back in August 2018 Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing signed an agreement. As part of the agreement Ashoka University started to use the TSA to help select applicants to all undergraduate courses including: Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, Physics, and Biology.
Rahul Sreekumar, Senior Manager, Office of Admissions at Ashoka University said: 'Ashoka University, being a leading Liberal Arts University in India, and following a holistic admissions process seeks to evaluate and identify high potential candidates with critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) offered by Cambridge University is in complete congruence with the philosophy of the vision of Ashoka. The TSA is true to its name and has considerably helped bolster the efficacy of our admissions process. The functionality and accessibility of content coupled with the remarkably user friendly interface of the TSA has helped us in conducting our test effortlessly. The TSA also helps us address the challenges that come with the evaluation and assessment of a diverse range of applicants within the Indian and international contexts.'