Proposal to Cease Typewriting Exams Sparks Debate in Telangana
Hyderabad: The State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) has submitted a proposal to the Telangana state government recommending the discontinuation of formal examinations for typewriters, a move that has ignited a heated debate among stakeholders.
Currently, the typewriting exam is conducted biannually in both traditional typewriter and computer-based formats, scheduled in July and December respectively. Approximately 4,000 students participate annually, with candidates using typewriters required to bring their machines to examination centers, while computer-based test takers can access the exam center directly.
Across Telangana, about 350 institutions offer a six-month typewriting course, charging monthly fees ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 based on the institution’s location.
The proposal from the technical education department has encountered resistance primarily from typewriting institutions in the state. B. Sateesh, President of the Telangana Recognised Typewriting, Shorthand, and Computer Association, emphasized that typewriters play a crucial role in enhancing students’ typing speed and accuracy, arguing that these skills are more effectively honed through typewriting than on computers.
Sateesh further highlighted the employment opportunities for stenographers and typists recruited by entities such as the Staff Selection Commission and courts, expressing concern that the elimination of typewriting exams could disadvantage Telangana candidates in these competitive fields.
The proposal’s implications are being scrutinized closely by educators, students, and industry professionals alike, with diverse opinions emerging on the future of typewriting education in the digital age. As discussions continue, stakeholders await further developments from the state government on this significant educational policy decision.
