All school boards across India are likely to have a common science and mathematics syllabus from the coming academic session, which will help students compete on an equal footing in the

national level entrance tests.

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said," We have reached 90 percent consensus (on the issue) and by evening we hope to agree upon a common syllabus in maths and science

across all the boards." Sibal met at least 20 members of school educational boards from various states to discuss the core curriculum in the science stream.

Welcoming the move, Bihar School Education Board chairman A.K.P. Yadav told IANS: "This will bring all students from the country on a single platform - to study a similar course and

compete in examinations like IITs and medical entrance."

For the last five months, Sibal has been in touch with state boards to devise a common course in schools. (With Input from Agencies)