PARAKH-NCERT CEO Indrani Bhaduri has called for a shift from rote learning to competency-based assessments that test analysis and reasoning. She lauded BIEAP for implementing the Integrated Test Management System (ITMS).

  • Shift from traditional question-setting to competency-based assessment.
  • Emphasis on testing understanding, application, analysis, and reasoning.
  • Commendation of BIEAP's adoption of the Integrated Test Management System (ITMS).
  • Utilization of PARAKH Taxonomy for holistic student development.

In a significant move toward reforming the educational landscape, Prof. Indrani Bhaduri, CEO and Head of PARAKH-NCERT, has urged educational boards to transcend traditional assessment methods. Speaking at the Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh (BIEAP) office in Tadepalli, she emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how students are evaluated.

Prof. Bhaduri stressed that the current system must evolve to prioritize questions that challenge a student's ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. According to her, the focus should be on understanding, application, analysis, and reasoning—the core pillars of intellectual growth—rather than the mere reproduction of textbook facts.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition toward competency-based assessment is the cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By moving away from high-stakes rote memorization, the education system can foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for the 21st-century workforce. This alignment ensures that Indian students are not just degree holders but skilled professionals.

"Assessment should be a bridge to learning, not a barrier to creativity."

During the session, Prof. Bhaduri expressed her appreciation for the BIEAP's proactive steps in aligning its academic practices with the NEP 2020. Specifically, she highlighted the adoption of the Integrated Test Management System (ITMS) as a landmark step. This technology-driven approach is expected to bring unprecedented transparency and systematic rigor to the assessment process.

Furthermore, she detailed the significance of the PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) Taxonomy. This framework is designed to guide educators in crafting questions that measure holistic development, ensuring a gradual but steady transformation of assessment practices across all levels of schooling.

The CEO concluded by noting that the success of these systemic reforms depends heavily on the synergy between school boards, policymakers, and stakeholders. Collaboration is key to ensuring that the vision of a modern, competency-driven education system becomes a reality in every classroom.

Traditional Assessment Competency-Based Assessment (NEP 2020)
Focus on rote memorization of facts Focus on conceptual understanding and application
Standardized, repetitive question patterns Analytical and reasoning-based questioning
Prioritizes marks and rankings Prioritizes skill acquisition and holistic growth
Did You Know?: PARAKH is a national center established to set norms and standards for student assessment across all recognized boards in India to ensure parity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is competency-based assessment?
It is an evaluation method that measures a student's ability to apply their knowledge and skills to perform a specific task or solve a problem, rather than just recalling information.

2. How does ITMS benefit the education board?
The Integrated Test Management System (ITMS) digitizes the assessment lifecycle, reducing manual errors and increasing the transparency and efficiency of exam management.