NCERT Proposes New Class 12 Board Exam Model Based on Grades 9-11
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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently put forth a transformative approach to evaluating Class 12 board exam results. In a move aimed at overhauling the traditional examination system, NCERT’s Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) has released a report titled Establishing Equivalence across Education Boards, outlining a new evaluation framework that integrates students’ performance across Classes 9, 10, and 11, alongside vocational and skill-based education.
The Proposed Evaluation Framework
Under this proposed model, the final results for Class 12 students would no longer hinge solely on their performance in the Class 12 board exams. Instead, the evaluation would be a cumulative reflection of their academic journey from Class 9 onwards. Specifically, the report suggests the following distribution of weightage:
- Class 9: 15%
- Class 10: 20%
- Class 11: 25%
- Class 12: 40%
This innovative approach is designed to provide a more holistic and continuous assessment of students’ academic abilities, reducing the pressure associated with a single high-stakes examination and encouraging consistent effort throughout the secondary school years.
Breakdown of the Marking Scheme
The NCERT report also proposes a detailed marking scheme for each of these classes. The idea is to balance formative and summative assessments to ensure a well-rounded evaluation:
- Class 9: 70% of the marks would be derived from formative assessments, such as classwork, projects, and participation, while the remaining 30% would come from summative assessments, including tests and exams.
- Class 10: The marking would be equally divided, with 50% of the weightage given to formative assessments and 50% to summative assessments.
- Class 11: This year would see a slight shift towards summative assessments, with 40% based on formative and 60% on summative assessments.
- Class 12: The final year would place greater emphasis on summative assessments, with 70% of the marks coming from these evaluations, while 30% would still be based on formative assessments.
This structured approach is designed to not only assess the students’ knowledge but also their understanding, application, and skill development throughout their secondary education.
Emphasis on Vocational and Skill-Based Education
In addition to the academic subjects, the report strongly advocates for the integration of vocational and skill-based education into the curriculum from the early stages of secondary education. The curriculum is being suggested to include disciplines like Data Management, Coding, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Music, Arts, and Crafts, which reflect the changing demands of the modern workforce and the increasing value of talents that go beyond traditional academic subjects.
This move is aimed at providing students with a more versatile education, equipping them with the practical skills required in today’s job market. By recognizing the importance of vocational training, the NCERT report is pushing for an educational system that prepares students not only for higher education but also for real-world challenges.
Standardizing Education Across Boards
PARAKH’s report also highlights the need for a standardized assessment approach across all educational boards in India. Given the diversity of educational systems and the disparities in evaluation methods, the report suggests that a unified framework would ensure that students from different regions and boards are assessed on an equal footing. This would help in addressing the current inconsistencies and would ensure a more equitable evaluation system across the country.
Enhancing School Infrastructure and Teacher Performance
The report does not stop at student assessments; it also emphasizes the need for improvements in school infrastructure and teacher performance. Recognizing that a conducive learning environment is crucial for holistic development, the report calls for enhancements in school facilities, including access to clean drinking water, well-stocked libraries, and adequate sports facilities.
Moreover, the report suggests that teacher performance should be regularly evaluated to ensure that they are meeting the educational needs of their students. By fostering an environment of continuous improvement, the report aims to raise the overall quality of education in India.
Conclusion
The NCERT’s new evaluation model represents a significant shift in how student performance is measured in India. By moving towards a more comprehensive and continuous assessment system, the proposed changes aim to reduce the undue stress of board exams while providing a more accurate reflection of a student’s abilities.
This model, if implemented, would mark a departure from the traditional methods of evaluation, paving the way for a more balanced and holistic educational experience. The inclusion of vocational and skill-based training, alongside the focus on standardizing assessments and improving infrastructure, reflects a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the evolving educational landscape.
As India continues to reform its education system to meet the demands of the 21st century, the NCERT’s recommendations offer a promising roadmap for the future. By focusing on continuous assessment, skill development, and standardized education, the proposed model aims to create a more equitable and effective system that nurtures well-rounded, capable students ready to tackle the challenges of the modern world.
