Meenu Gupta
India is on the cusp of a revolutionary shift in its education sector with the introduction of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024. This nationwide educational assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the learning outcomes across the country, targeting not just student performance, but the entire ecosystem of schools and their effectiveness in imparting education. Slated for launch on December 4, 2024, the initiative is spearheaded by the National Assessment Centre-PARAKH under NCERT, and is set to evaluate students from Grades 3, 6, and 9. The survey, involving more than 22 lakh students from 75,000 schools , is expected to serve as a crucial tool in improving India’s education index and helping shape the future of education policy and practices.
A Paradigm Shift in Educational Assessment
Unlike previous surveys, such as the National Achievement Survey (NAS), which primarily focused on individual student competencies in core academic subjects at various educational stages , PARAKH takes a more holistic approach. The key differentiator here is the focus on school-level assessments , providing a broader, system-wide perspective. It aligns more closely with global best practices in educational evaluation, like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). This shift indicates India’s growing ambition to raise its education standards to meet global benchmarks, moving beyond individual academic achievements to evaluating the effectiveness of entire schools in fostering a conducive learning environment.
Purpose of PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan
At its core, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan seeks to answer one critical question: how well are Indian schools preparing students for the challenges of the future? The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions an education system that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and the practical application of knowledge-skills necessary for the 21st-century learner. PARAKH is designed to assess how effectively schools are achieving these goals. The survey will evaluate competency-based learning rather than traditional rote learning, focusing on students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. For instance, while Grade 3 students will be tested on foundational skills such as reading, writing, and basic numeracy, Grade 6 students will be assessed on subjects like Mathematics, Language, and The World Around Us, and Grade 9 will tackle more advanced subjects including Science and Social Studies.
This focus on competencies reflects a shift towards a more progressive and realistic assessment model. It seeks to ensure that students are not only able to absorb and reproduce information but are also capable of utilizing this knowledge in practical contexts-skills that are vital in today’s fast-changing world.
Objectives of the Survey
The National Assessment Centre-PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic development) under NCERT is responsible for this landmark survey. The primary objective of PARAKH is to provide detailed and accurate data on the current state of learning in schools across India. This information will serve as a diagnostic tool for policymakers, educators, and school administrators. By highlighting strengths and identifying gaps in the education system, it will help guide future policies and reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.
One of the major challenges India faces is the disparity in educational quality between urban and rural areas, as well as between public and private institutions. PARAKH will address this issue by providing a comprehensive overview of the educational landscape, helping to pinpoint where targeted interventions are needed most. The data will enable policymakers to design programs that can bridge the urban-rural education gap, ensuring more equitable access to quality education.
How PARAKH Will Be Conducted
The survey will be conducted across various school types, including state government schools, government-aided institutions, central government schools, and private schools, to provide a representative sample of India’s diverse education system. To ensure smooth and efficient data collection, the assessment will employ paper-based testing along with OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) technology.
A massive logistical undertaking, PARAKH will involve the coordinated efforts of thousands of educators, administrators, and data collectors. State-Level Coordinators (SLCs) and District-Level Coordinators (DLCs) will oversee the administration of the survey, supported by Field Investigators and Observers who will collect data from participating schools. To ensure quality and consistency, CBSE Regional Coordinators and Observers will monitor the process, ensuring that the survey is conducted in accordance with national standards.
Expected Outcomes and Impact on Education Policy
The data generated by PARAKH will serve as a vital resource for improving India’s education index and achieving the goals outlined in the NEP 2020. The survey results will offer deep insights into what works and what doesn’t in Indian schools, enabling policymakers to craft evidence-based reforms that address the root causes of poor learning outcomes.Moreover, the survey will highlight areas where educators need additional training or resources, allowing for more targeted professional development programs.
For educators and administrators, PARAKH offers an opportunity to reflect on their practices and make adjustments based on concrete evidence. It emphasizes the importance of moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to education, encouraging schools to focus on the unique needs of their students and fostering a more student-centered learning environment.
As the country moves towards implementing the vision of NEP 2020, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 is a crucial step toward elevating India’s education system to global standards. It is not just an assessment but a vital tool for driving meaningful change, ensuring that every child in India receives the education they deserve.
(The author is Vice Principal DPS Jammu)
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