The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has proposed a transformative change in calculating Class 12 board results. The NCERT's recommendation suggests that the final Class 12 board results should integrate students' performance from Classes 9 to 11 and the traditional Class 12 exams.
This proposal, if implemented, could significantly alter the assessment landscape by making it more holistic and reducing the stress associated with high-stakes exams.
As per India Today reports, Class 12 board results are determined solely based on the marks obtained in the annual board exams. This system places immense pressure on students to perform well in a single set of exams, which can profoundly impact their higher education opportunities and career prospects. Recognizing the limitations and stress of this approach, the NCERT has proposed a more comprehensive evaluation system.
According to the proposal, the marks obtained by students in Classes 9, 10, and 11 would contribute to their final Class 12 results. The suggested weightage for these earlier years' performance is between 20% and 30%. This means that students' academic journey from Class 9 onwards would be crucial in determining their final board results rather than relying solely on their performance in Class 12 exams.
The proposed change by the NCERT is expected to bring about several positive outcomes. The pressure on students to excel in a single exam will likely decrease by spreading the evaluation across four years of schooling. This could lead to a more balanced approach to learning, where students focus on understanding and applying knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Including marks from Classes 9 to 11 in the final evaluation encourages students to maintain consistent academic performance throughout their secondary education. This approach rewards sustained effort and discourages last-minute cramming.
The new system would provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of a student's abilities. By considering performance across multiple years, the evaluation would reflect academic knowledge, growth, skills development, and attitudes.
While the proposal offers numerous benefits, it also raises some challenges. Schools and teachers must ensure that assessments in Classes 9 to 11 are standardized and fair. Implementing such a system would require careful planning and coordination between the NCERT, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and other educational authorities.
The Education Ministry and CBSE will discuss NCERT's proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, this change could be rolled out shortly, potentially affecting millions of students across India. The move will likely spark a broad discussion among educators, parents, and students about the best way to evaluate academic achievement that fosters learning and reduces unnecessary stress.
NCERT's proposal to integrate marks from Classes 9 to 11 into the final Class 12 board results marks a significant shift in India's approach to student assessment. By promoting a more continuous and less exam-centric evaluation process, the proposed changes could lead to a more balanced and less stressful education system. As the Education Ministry and CBSE review this recommendation, the education community and the public will be watching closely to see how this potential reform could shape the future of student evaluation in India.