PARAKH Education Reform: Meaning, Goals and Benefits

The main objective of Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge (PARAKH) is to promote creative learning instead of mugging up. It will monitor, learn and assess all recognised school boards in India.

The Union Government has planned to initiate a framework which will assess students. The initiative will assess students at secondary and higher secondary levels. The main objective of this initiative is to maintain uniformity among the state and central boards. Recently, after the initiative of the union government, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), together with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), has set up a new “assessment regulator”. The newly established assessment regulator is known as “PARAKH”.

 PARAKH is a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. On September 11, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a National Assessment Center (NAC) in PARAKH.

What is PARAKH?

 Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development. It was earlier launched under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The main objective of this initiative is to create a new and interesting ecosystem in India regarding education. As per the expectations of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), this initiative will end all the worst educational practices. Such as rote learning, fear of maths etc.

 PARAKH will monitor, learn and assess all recognised school boards in India. It facilitates best practises in educational institutions and guarantees the consistency of academic expectations.

PARAKH’s Goals

 The main objective of Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge (PARAKH) is

  • to promote creative learning instead of mugging up
  •  Seeking industry-oriented knowledge for a better future
  • To maintain a lower burden on students.

 How will PARAKH work?

A good team will be set up to implement the initiative consisting of assessment experts with knowledge in the education field. The member should be knowledgeable about national and international education. It will be a one-time source for all the information regarding the assessment.

Benefits of PARAKH:

  •  Put an end to rote learning

 This initiative will promote health education and make solutions for students to learn in new and creative ways instead of mugging up everything only for exams. If any student is caught as rote learning, the issue with the student will be solved.

  •  Practical knowledge 

 The new initiative will laid emphasis on imparting practical knowledge than theoretical knowledge. Under the initiative, the traditional way of learning and studying will also be changed. Under the scheme, the students will be provided technical education, skills-oriented education, and practical knowledge.

  •  Industry-related education 

 Industry-related education is an approach to teaching students subjects regarding industries, such as maths, physics, science and other technological education. These subjects will be beneficial not only in schools but also in higher education during college or job opportunities.

  •  Less burden on students 

 It is proposed to conduct the board exams twice a year so that the students can improve their scores by practising more. It is also stated that the dual exam policy will lighten the burden on the students.