Experts on English education and university entrance exams plan to file a petition in the Diet urging the government to abandon plans for new standardized entrance exams, which will be introduced in 2021.

The new system is intended to replace the National Center Test for University Admissions. It will include English tests produced and administered by the private sector.

The experts say the system is flawed in such a way that it cannot ensure a minimum level of fairness and integrity. They say that if implemented in the intended form, many applicants will be disadvantaged.

Seven private organizations will contribute to the new exam system. These include the Eiken Foundation of Japan and Benesse Corporation. Experts have previously expressed concern over how the exams will be evaluated.

More than 8,100 people have put their names on the petition. It will be submitted to the Diet soon. Tohoku University Professor Emeritus Katsuhiro Arai says the most important thing is to design a system that allows applicants to demonstrate their abilities to the fullest. He also says the government should review the new system to ensure it can do that.