Edu board pioneers competency based education, receives national recognition

The Himachal Pradesh School Education Board (HPSEB) has been recognised by the Government of India as the first education board to initiate training for implementing competency-based examinations, as outlined in the New Education Policy (NEP). The HPSEB has recently trained 60 teachers as “Master Trainers” to support schools across the state in integrating this approach. These Master Trainers will guide teachers in creating exams that focus on students’ conceptual understanding rather than rote learning.

Vishal Sharma, HPSEB Secretary, explained that the NEP emphasises competency-based questions in exams for all school classes. This new approach aims to evaluate students’ comprehension and practical application of subjects through multiple-choice questions and other competency-based formats. The goal is to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, moving away from traditional methods that largely test general knowledge.

The HPSEB has already implemented competency-based assessments in board examinations but faced challenges extending this to all grade levels. Sharma noted that the introduction of Master Trainers would facilitate a broader application of these practices. The HPSEB is organising workshops and online training sessions where Master Trainers will coach teachers from both government and private schools on designing competency-based exams.

The board has also made structural changes in its evaluation methods for classes IX and XII. Under the new policy, 80 per cent of a student’ s marks will come from academic exams administered by the board, while the remaining 20 per cent will be awarded by the schools. Of this 20%, schools will allocate 4% based on academic performance evaluations and 16 per cent on extracurricular activities, including community service.

During a recent seminar by the Ministry of Human Resources in Delhi, HPSEB’s pioneering efforts in establishing competency-based training received national praise. This shift in examination methodology is expected to improve students’ grasp of core concepts, encouraging a more well-rounded and practical educational experience across the state.

To enhance critical thinking, problem solving

• Vishal Sharma, HPSEB Secretary, explained that the NEP emphasises competency-based questions in exams for all school classes
• This new approach aims to evaluate students’ comprehension and practical application of subjects through multiple-choice questions and other competency-based formats
• The goal is to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, moving away from traditional methods that largely test general knowledge