Problems with board exams – We must not let an exam marks chase distort education in India

Source: The post problems with board exams, has been created on the article “We must not let an exam marks chase distort education in India” published in “Live mints” on 23rd November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education

News: The article discusses the problems with board exams in India, including stress, poor exam design, and how they affect education system. It explains changes proposed in the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023 to make exams better and reduce student stress.

What are the main issues with board exams in India?

Stress Due to High Stakes: Board exams in India bring intense stress for students and families. Exam results are socially seen as a measure of ‘intrinsic worth’. Moreover, reliance on these marks for admissions in higher education institutions, coupled with limited availability of high-quality higher education institutions makes these exams even more competitive and stressful.

Focus on Rote Learning: These exams predominantly test memory rather than practical skills or understanding, leading to a limited view of students’ actual knowledge and abilities.

Inconsistent Evaluation: The exams often suffer from poor design and execution, resulting in inconsistent evaluation, raising questions on their overall reliability and effectiveness.

Rise of Coaching Culture: The pressure to perform well has led to a widespread culture of coaching and tuition, emphasizing exam preparation over genuine learning and understanding.

What initiatives have been taken to overcome these issues?

1. National Curriculum Framework (NCF) Initiatives:

Competency-Based Assessment: Introducing exams that focus on competencies and skills rather than rote memorization.

Offering Multiple Exam Opportunities: Students will have the chance to take exams at least twice a year, with an eventual move towards on-demand exams. This can reduce the stress of a single day’s performance impacting their future.

Reduction in Content Load: Decreasing the amount of content in subjects will enable students to focus more on understanding concepts.

Revised Exam Design: Addressing the issue of misdirected exam design, which currently undermines education by promoting rote memorization. The NCF aims to shift this focus towards fostering real learning and achieving key competencies and curricular goals, affecting teaching methods, classroom practices, and textbook content.

1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Efforts:

Expansion of Higher Education: Addressing the shortage of high-quality higher education institutions to lessen the intense competition for college admissions.

Common University Entrance Test: Implementing a standardized test for university admissions to streamline the process and reduce the emphasis on board exam scores.

What should be done?

Improving Teaching Methodologies: Train teachers to adopt new pedagogical methods that align with the revised curriculum focusing on competencies rather than rote memorization.

Regularizing Standardized Assessments: Develop a more consistent and standardized approach to assessments throughout the academic year to reduce the singular focus on final board exams.

Enhanced Focus on Mental Health: Address the psychological impact of board exams by incorporating mental health support and counseling in schools.

Strengthening Higher Education Linkages: Establish stronger connections between school education and higher education criteria to ensure a smoother transition for students.

Public Sensitization and Information Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to inform and educate the public about the new educational reforms, emphasizing the shift towards competency and skill-based education.

Question for practice:

Discuss the proposed changes in the National Curriculum Framework and the National Education Policy 2020 to reform the board exam system in India.