India's government launches a sweeping National Assessment Policy, aiming to overhaul school exams, reduce rote learning, and promote critical thinking across public and private education sectors.
New Delhi, February 24, 2026: The Indian government announced a landmark National Assessment Policy (NAP) today, aiming to revolutionize student evaluation methods in schools nationwide, according to The Hindu. The policy seeks to reduce rote memorization and foster analytical skills, impacting over 250 million students across public and private educational institutions.
The National Assessment Policy is the latest step in India's ongoing educational reforms, following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The new policy is designed to align assessment practices with 21st-century learning goals, as stated by the Ministry of Education.
Announced by Education Minister Dr. Meera Sharma, the NAP introduces competency-based assessments, project work, and formative evaluations to replace the traditional high-stakes, year-end examinations. The shift is expected to be implemented in phases, starting with grades 3, 5, and 8 in the 2026-27 academic year.
Background: Calls for Change in Indian Education
For decades, India's school exams have been criticized for encouraging rote learning and exam-centric teaching. Reports from UNESCO and the World Bank have highlighted the need for reforms to prepare students for a rapidly changing global economy.
The NEP 2020 laid the groundwork for assessment reforms, emphasizing holistic development and critical thinking. However, implementation has been slow, with many states struggling to move beyond traditional exam models, according to The Indian Express.
Key Features of the National Assessment Policy
The NAP mandates a mix of formative (ongoing) and summative (end-of-term) assessments. Teachers will use portfolios, project work, and oral presentations to gauge student understanding. Written tests will focus on application and analysis rather than memorization.
A central digital platform will be launched for teachers to access assessment tools, share best practices, and track student progress. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will oversee curriculum alignment and teacher training.
Impact on Teachers and Schools
The policy requires extensive teacher training. According to the Ministry of Education, over 1.2 million teachers will participate in workshops on competency-based assessment by the end of 2026. Schools will receive additional funding to implement new evaluation methods.
Private schools, which often follow their own assessment models, will also be required to adopt the NAP framework. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state boards will coordinate to ensure uniformity across regions.
Challenges and Concerns
Education experts, while welcoming the reforms, caution that rural and under-resourced schools may struggle to implement the new system. The All India Primary Teachers Federation has requested additional support for schools lacking digital infrastructure.
Parents and students have expressed mixed reactions. Some fear increased workload and uncertainty during the transition. The government has promised a gradual rollout, with pilot programs and feedback mechanisms to address concerns.
Expected Benefits and Early Results
Pilot projects in Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have shown promising results. According to data from the Ministry of Education, students in these states demonstrated improved problem-solving skills and higher engagement in classroom activities.
International education experts, including those from the OECD, have praised India's move towards competency-based assessment. They note that such reforms can help close learning gaps and better prepare students for higher education and employment.
What’s Next: Timeline and Implementation
The NAP will be implemented in three phases. Phase one (2026-27) targets grades 3, 5, and 8. Phase two (2027-28) expands to grades 6, 9, and 11. The final phase (2028-29) will cover all grades from 1 to 12. The Ministry of Education will monitor progress and adjust guidelines as needed.
The government plans to publish annual reports on the policy’s impact, with data on student outcomes, teacher readiness, and regional disparities. Stakeholders, including parents and educators, will be invited to provide feedback through online portals.
Sources
- The Hindu
- The Indian Express
- Ministry of Education (India)
- UNESCO
- World Bank
- OECD
Sources: Information sourced from The Hindu, The Indian Express, the Ministry of Education (India), UNESCO, World Bank, and OECD reports.