In a significant shift in the Indian education landscape, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled a bold proposal to reform the evaluation model for Class 12 board exams. This new approach, detailed in the report “Establishing Equivalence across Education Boards,” aims to integrate academic performance from Classes 9 to 11 into the final Class 12 results, while also enhancing vocational and skill-based training.
Integration of Cumulative Performance Metrics
According to NCERT’s proposal, Class 12 board exam results will now reflect a student’s performance throughout their high school years. Specifically, the new model allocates weightage as follows: 15% from Class 9, 20% from Class 10, and 25% from Class 11, with the remaining 40% based on performance in Class 12. This cumulative approach is designed to provide a more comprehensive view of a student’s academic journey.
Emphasis on Vocational and Skill-Based Training
The report, submitted to the Ministry of Education in July 2024 by PARAKH—NCERT’s regulatory centre—highlights the need to make vocational and skill-based subjects mandatory. This includes subjects such as Data Management, Coding, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Music, Arts, and Crafts. By incorporating these areas into the curriculum, the report aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), aiming to promote holistic learning and practical skills.
New Assessment Structure for a Balanced Evaluation
Under the proposed system, assessment will be divided into formative and summative components. Formative assessments will focus on ongoing evaluation methods, including self-reflection, student portfolios, teacher assessments, project work, and group discussions. Summative assessments will comprise traditional term-end examinations. The weightage for these assessments will vary by class:
- Class 9: 70% formative, 30% summative
- Class 10: 50% formative, 50% summative
- Class 11: 40% formative, 60% summative
- Class 12: 30% formative, 70% summative
Credit-Based System for Comprehensive Learning
The new evaluation model introduces a credit-based system, where each subject unit is assigned specific credits. Students in Classes 9 and 10 need to earn 32 subject-specific credits out of a possible 40, while those in Classes 11 and 12 must secure 36 credits out of 44. Additional credits can be obtained through online courses, such as MOOCs, or by engaging in research and community-based projects.
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