In the realm of education, assessment stands as a pivotal pillar, shaping the learning journey of students and providing invaluable insights into their progress. Recognizing its significance, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) introduced the National Assessment Centre - PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) in 2023, heralding a new era in educational evaluation.
PARAKH, the National Assessment Centre, was established within NCERT as a separate entity through NCERT's Notification no. 1-4/2012-EC/ 101- 164 dated February 8, 2023. Its primary purpose is to fulfill the fundamental goals of establishing norms, standards, guidelines, and executing initiatives concerning student assessment, as outlined in Para 4.4.1 of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, in addition to other assigned responsibilities.
The center's objectives span across four major areas:
1. Capacity Development in Competency-Based Assessment:
Under the banner of Project Vidyasagar, PARAKH collaborates with the PhD Chamber of Commerce to conduct workshops across all States/UTs of India. These workshops aim to disseminate learning competencies as per the National Curriculum Framework 2023 (NCF, 2023), ensuring teachers are equipped with the necessary pedagogical insights to implement competency-based learning effectively.
2. Large-Scale Achievement Survey:
PARAKH undertakes the mammoth task of organizing large-scale achievement surveys to monitor and assess the educational landscape of the country. In November 2023, the State Educational Achievement Survey was conducted across 30 States/UTs, assessing learners from Grades 3, 6, and 9. This comprehensive assessment encompassed competencies in Foundational Literacy, Foundational Numeracy, Language, and Mathematics, providing crucial data to inform educational policies and practices.
3. Equivalence of School Boards:
PARAKH endeavors to establish equivalence across various boards of school education, thereby enabling the allocation of credit points to diverse forms of learning. Regional workshops held between June and August 2023 facilitated data collection from boards, focusing on administration, curriculum, assessments, and infrastructure. Through meticulous analysis and deliberations in national-level workshops, policy recommendations for equivalence are being drafted, paving the way for a more standardized educational framework.
4. Holistic Progress Cards:
A cornerstone of PARAKH's initiatives is the development and dissemination of Holistic Progress Cards (HPC) for different educational stages. These 360-degree assessment tools provide a comprehensive evaluation of competency-based learning-teaching, ensuring a holistic approach to student assessment. While HPCs for foundational, preparatory, and middle stages have been completed, efforts are ongoing to develop HPCs for the secondary stage, further enhancing the assessment landscape.
PARAKH's endeavours mark a significant step towards revolutionizing the assessment paradigm in education. By focusing on competency-based assessment, conducting large-scale surveys, striving for equivalence across school boards, and developing holistic progress cards, PARAKH is instrumental in fostering holistic development and ensuring quality education for every learner. As we navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving educational landscape, PARAKH stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, guiding the way towards a brighter future for education in India.
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