PISA-like Class 10 Assessment Proposed

Economic Survey proposes a PISA-like Class 10 assessment to evaluate learning outcomes, benchmark global standards, and strengthen evidence-based education reforms in India.

Table of Contents

Context

The Economic Survey highlights that most Indian schools rely on internal board examinations. These exams mainly test content recall rather than deeper understanding or skill application. As a result, they fail to produce diagnostic evidence needed to identify students’ learning gaps.

Limitations of Current Assessment Systems

Certification-Oriented: Designed mainly for promotion and certification, not learning improvement.
Lack of Diagnostic Value: Do not provide insights into why students perform poorly.
Structural Issues Identified:
- Findings from ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) and
- NAS (National Achievement Survey) suggests deeper systemic problems in assessment design.

About PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)

- Conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- Held every three years.
- Tests 15-year-old students across countries.

Focus Areas:

- Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
Key Feature:
- Measures application of knowledge and skills, not rote learning.

India’s Experience with PISA

India has participated only once (2009)
Ranked 72nd out of 73 countries.
The low ranking highlighted gaps in learning outcomes and assessment approaches.

Need for Better Use of Assessment Data

Assessment data should be used to:
- Unpack reasons behind low scores.
- Understand underlying socio-economic and institutional conditions.
- Convert surveys into robust tools for policymakers and stakeholders.

Proposed Reform: PISA-like Assessment in Grade 10

Suggested introduction of a standardised, competency-based assessment at the end of Grade 10.
Purpose:
- Compare states, school types, and socio-economic groups on a common scale.
- Provide evidence-based insights for targeted policy interventions.