The CBSE has issued competency frameworks, published experiential learning guidelines, introduced art-integrated learning, and aligned its reforms with NEP 2020. Traditional rote-learning teaching-learning experiences cannot keep up with this change. | Photo: iStock/ Getty Images
To align with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), CBSE has aggressively overhauled its exam pattern, dedicating 50% of the total marks to “competency-based” and application-oriented questions. Instead of asking for straightforward definitions from a textbook, the current papers present students with complex, real-world case studies and data interpretation tasks.On part of the board, though, the change is more than just nature of questions in exams. The board has issued competency frameworks, published experiential learning guidelines, introduced art-integrated learning, and aligned its reforms with NEP 2020. Traditional rote-learning teaching-learning experiences cannot keep up with this change.Competency-based assessment and competency-based education are not the same thing. One measures a capability while the other builds it. Some experts say there is a lag in the way and rate at which the policy framework is translating into classroom practices. Schools have received guidance. What many still lack is a shared implementation framework that tells them, with enough specificity to be useful, what quality actually looks like when it is working.To understand the matter at hand, The Hindu will host a webinar titled, ‘Competency-based assessment’, on August 17, 5:00 p.m. Register now for free to ask questions and interact with the panellists. The three best questions will receive a free online subscription to The Hindu.(For any feedback or suggestions, reach out to us at education@thehindu.co.in) Published - August 12, 2026 04:50 pm IST
