No written exams till Class 2, draft NCF proposes

The draft National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for school education in India recommends that explicit tests and examinations are not appropriate assessment tools for children in the foundational stage (preschool to class 2). Instead, the framework suggests using observation of the child and analyzing artifacts produced as part of their learning experience.

The draft recommends introducing written tests in class 3 and using a variety of assessment methods to promote learning, such as portfolios and peer and self-assessments. In the middle stage (class 6 to 8), classroom assessment techniques such as projects, debates, presentations, experiments, investigations, role plays, journals, and portfolios should be used to assess learning. Regular summative assessments can also be conducted, comprising multiple-choice questions and constructed responses like short and long answers.

In the secondary stage (class 9 to 12), comprehensive classroom assessments should be used to facilitate meaningful learning and constructive feedback, and regular summative assessments should be conducted for recording students' learning against competencies. The draft emphasizes that assessment methods should be designed to allow for diversity among children and not contribute to any additional burden for the child. The new NCF is based on the 5+3+3+4 'curricular and pedagogical' structure recommended by NEP 2020 and will be introduced in textbooks from next year.