NCERT’s new exam body, PARAKH, plans AI-based learning, digitised assessments, international consultancy

December 16, 2023

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The PARAKH, a newly established body for exams and assessments under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), has set its sights on creating AI-driven personalised adaptive learning programmes (PALs) in schools by 2028. Additionally, it aims to evolve into a comprehensive center by that time, offering consultancy services and technical expertise to neighboring countries in the region.

The PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) was established as an independent unit within the NCERT in February 2023. Its main goal, in line with a key recommendation on exam reforms from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is to ensure uniformity among India’s numerous school examination boards, including the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), by setting standards and norms for assessment and evaluation at the school level. As mentioned in the previous installment of this series, the objective is to achieve this “equivalence” among school boards by 2026.

However, PARAKH-NCERT undoubtedly possesses more ambitious objectives than solely this, and has formulated comprehensive plans outlining its aspirations for the initial year, the next three years (by 2026), and the subsequent five years (by 2028).

Furthermore, in February 2023, NCERT enlisted the services of ETS as a technical collaborator for PARAKH. ETS, a renowned international testing organization, is primarily recognized for administering the TOEFL examination to assess English language proficiency and the GRE for students aspiring to pursue education overseas.

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The PARAKH roadmap

As per the PARAKH Roadmap, which was obtained by Careers360 through an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the organization intends to create Personalised Adaptive Learning programmes (PALs) based on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve students’ learning standards. The PALs are projected to be completed by 2028. Additionally, PARAKH will provide guidance to the NCERT regarding the upcoming National Achievement Survey (NAS 2027). By 2026, PARAKH aims to digitize assessments in a manner that enables monitoring of achievements at both the school and student levels.

PARAKH aims to position itself as an autonomous institution by 2026. By 2028, it intends to offer consultancy services and technical expertise on assessment to neighboring countries. In its initial year, PARAKH has three main objectives: assisting NCERT in establishing uniformity across educational boards and board exams, enhancing the technical standards of NAS and other extensive assessments, and promoting the implementation of fair and efficient school-based assessments.

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Assessment for teachers, systems

The PARAKH-NCERT organization will play a crucial part in establishing universal benchmarks for teaching and educational frameworks. PARAKH will provide assistance and oversight to the State School Standards Authority (SSSA) in evaluating and accrediting teachers and educational systems. Although the SSSAs are yet to be formed, they are intended to function as autonomous bodies at the state level, responsible for defining a basic set of standards for each state. As per the NEP 2020, the State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) are entrusted with the task of formulating these guidelines in consultation with various stakeholders.

Preparation for NAS 2024

PARAKH is also involved in the implementation of the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024 and Foundational Learning Study (FLS) 2024. These surveys are designed to assess students’ learning abilities across various school boards on a national scale. The preparation of questionnaires for NAS 2024 began in December and is anticipated to be finalized by February 2024. In February 2024, a pilot test of the NAS 2024 questionnaires will be conducted in different languages and across states.