PARAKH

• National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT) has introduced a new “holistic” report card that incorporates feedback from parents, classmates, and even self-evaluation by students to track their overall progress regularly.
• PARAKH, a standard-setting body under the NCERT, has devised the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) for foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5) and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8) and is currently working on developing one for the secondary stage.
• The NCERT has asked all states to either adopt the HPC or adapt it according to their requirements.
• The HPC, aligned with the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) to make evaluation more “learner-centric”, has started considering various aspects of learning, including diverse skills and competencies, rather than solely relying on marks obtained in periodic tests.
• Its aim is to track not only students’ academic performance but also their cognitive, socio-emotional abilities, and creativity during class activities.

ABOUT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, REVIEW, AND ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT (PARAKH)

• Established in February 2023.
• PARAKH was set up in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as an independent constituent unit.
• It aims to fulfill the basic objectives of setting norms, standards, and guidelines and implement activities related to student assessment along with other tasks as mandated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.