In a groundbreaking move, the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a revolutionary approach to student assessment. The traditional year-end exams are being replaced by the Holistic Progress Card (HPC), developed by NCERT’s standard-setting body, PARAKH. This transformative method aims to evaluate students’ performance based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including creativity, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness.
The HPC reflects a shift towards a more learner-centric approach, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE). Instead of relying solely on standardized tests, the HPC leverages input from parents, classmates, and even self-evaluation to provide a more holistic understanding of a student’s capabilities.
Aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP), the HPC serves as a tool to guide students towards self-development. By actively involving students in the evaluation process, PARAKH has designed a descriptive form that considers various learning-related factors, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of their abilities and competences.
The HPC has been introduced for Classes 6 to 8, categorized as the middle stage, following the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2) and the stage of preparation (Classes 3 to 5). NCERT is now gearing up to develop a similar assessment plan for the secondary stage. This innovative approach to assessment aims to gauge student performance through the lens of feedback from parents, peers, and the self-assessment provided by the students themselves.
Following successful pilot studies, NCERT has urged states and union territories to adopt the HPC, tailoring its implementation to their contextual requirements. This move represents a significant departure from conventional assessment methods and marks a crucial step towards fostering a more comprehensive and student-centric education system.
